The Cleveland Browns front office deserves a ton of credit for putting together a winning roster in 2020.
Although, the season isn’t over yet, the Browns currently sit at 9-3 and in prime playoff position.
Key free agent signings such as Jack Conklin, Austin Hooper, and Malcolm Smith are already making an impact on the roster.
The front office also brought in Jedrick Wills and Harrison Bryant through the draft.
Both players have already made a significant contribution to the organization this season.
This team is set up to win now and in the future as well thanks to the front office, coaching staff, and the players.
Although, there are a few areas where the roster could be upgraded over the offseason.
1. Linebacker
The most obvious hole in this organization is at the linebacker position.
Sadly, the front office failed to address the weak linebacker situation during the offseason.
They signed B.J. Goodson and were hopeful that Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson were ready to take on full-time starter roles.
There have been some growing pains with both young linebackers, but they have stepped up lately.
Watch Takitaki and Mack Wilson here. This is what you want to see v run. Taki stands up the FB at the POA to ruin the scheme before it starts and Wilson darts through with proper angle to bring Henry down for the TFL.
Might have been Wilson's best game of 2020. #Browns pic.twitter.com/vHz3cVAgdl
— Browns Film Breakdown (@BrownsFilmBDN) December 7, 2020
Bringing in Smith was a smart idea as well by the front office.
He’s recorded 56 tackles, one sack, and one interception through 12 games (three starts) with the Browns this season.
Although, the Browns do need to upgrade at linebacker this offseason if they want to take the next step.
Wilson and Takitaki are still learning and truthfully might not be ready for starting roles on a competitive roster like the Browns.
The front office needs to address the linebacker position this offseason and bring in some reinforcements.
2. Defensive Back
On paper, the Browns had a dynamic duo of Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams at defensive back to begin the season.
Both players have Pro Bowl caliber upside, but injuries have derailed their 2020 campaigns.
Williams has been unable to suit up all season long, which has been a big blow to the Browns secondary.
Luckily, Ward has played well when healthy, but will miss his third straight game on Monday due to a calf issue.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (calf) has been declared out for the game with the Ravens on Monday night. It will be the third straight game he has missed with the injury. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (hamstring) also out.
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) December 12, 2020
The Browns have been forced to rely on veteran players like Terrance Mitchell and Kevin Johnson.
Neither of them are bad players, but they aren’t considered “starter material” for a competitive roster like the Browns.
It’s unclear if Greedy Williams is ever going to live up to the hype of being taken in a second-round by Cleveland.
It might be time for Cleveland to invest some of that extra cap space into an elite defensive back this offseason.
Give the Browns defense someone they can count on if Ward or Williams goes down next season.
However, outside of linebacker and defensive back, the Browns roster looks pretty strong heading into 2021.
This could be a team that competes for a Super Bowl as early as next season, assuming they make the right adjustments.
The front office has proven to be smart, so Browns fans should put their faith in them to build a winning team.
NEXT: Browns Rule Out 2 Players In Ravens Matchup
