In just his second year as the Cleveland Browns general manager, Andrew Berry is impressing the NFL world.
The 2021 NFL Draft came and went, and the biggest winners were the Browns yet again:
The Cleveland #Browns are the only team with an A+ NFL Draft grade in both 2020 & 2021 pic.twitter.com/RtG3G7Wg1n
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 4, 2021
In Berry’s first season as the general manager, he oversaw the Browns improve by five wins and get their first playoff victory since 1995.
Even with the tremendous 2020 season, Berry’s job was not finished.
He entered the 2021 offseason looking to take the team to the next level.
The Browns signed John Johnson II and Jadeveon Clowney among others in what was a tremendous offseason even prior to the draft.
After making these moves, Cleveland went on to have the best draft performance of any team, according to Pro Football Focus:
🥇 Browns
🥈 Bears
🥉 Patriots@PFF_Mike ranks the 10 best 2021 NFL Draft classes ⤵️ https://t.co/0YniK4yMam
— PFF (@PFF) May 4, 2021
After the Browns’ dream offseason, Mike Greenberg thinks that the Browns are the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.
According to BetMGM, Cleveland has the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +1600.
If the Browns start the season on a good note, they will be sure to skyrocket near the top of the future odds.
How has Berry Risen to the Ranks to Become a Top General Manager?
Back in July 2020, Sporting News ranked Berry No. 24 in its NFL GM rankings.
Since then, the Browns amassed 11 regular season wins and a postseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cleveland battled through injuries and bad weather and was one of the league’s best rushing teams in Berry’s first season.
Baker Mayfield made a resurgence in his third NFL season with 26 touchdowns, 3,563 yards, and just eight interceptions.
Although the Browns fell to the Chiefs in the playoffs, they are ready to take the next step in 2021.
Berry drafted very well again this year.
The organization received an “A” draft grade from almost every sports writer:
The #Browns received an A from nearly every sports writer for their draft grade. pic.twitter.com/D19LPyShRc
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) May 3, 2021
The team made some strong defensive improvements, and in doing so, Berry has the Browns with the NFL’s most improved secondary:
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the #Browns top this list⬇️ https://t.co/hbbJsqaRVl
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) May 6, 2021
The Browns made big strides on the defensive side and then brought in veteran defensive tackle Damion Square.
They are even leaving the door open for the return of Sheldon Richardson.
It is evidently clear that the Browns are aiming toward an appearance in the AFC Championship Game this year.
The Browns New Regime is Getting Noticed
The NFL media is quickly noticing that the Browns are the 2021 offseason champions.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is very excited about Berry and company:
The @Browns are a freaking problem with this new regime man. #NFLDraft2021
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) May 1, 2021
While the Browns’ goal is to win on the field, the attention that Berry is getting is very impressive:
Andrew Berry keeps this up, he's gonna get a statue. #Browns
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) May 1, 2021
Colin Cowherd, who previously has dabbled in the negative comments about Mayfield, gave the Browns praise:
Between free agency and this draft — the @Browns have done a remarkable job improving their defensive talent. Really smart moves.
— Colin Cowherd (@colincowherd) May 1, 2021
As the Browns ready for their schedule to be released on May 12 at 8:00 pm eastern time, they are in a strong position for the beginning of the 2021 season.
The first 17-game in NFL history will be a tough battle for the teams in the league.
However, the Browns seem to have enough depth and talent to impress yet again in 2021.
Berry, along with his front office, has put the team in this position.
NEXT: PFF Names Browns Secondary Among Most Improved Groups
Concerned Browns Fan says
Is it possible to give the man his G.M of the year award now?
Mrich says
If the browns are able to repeat last year’s success with improvement…. a Andrew Berry/Kevin stefanski statue is definitely in order. I don’t know about everyone else, but as a life long Browns fan, I’ve never been more proud and optimistic about our organization and where it’s going. These next few seasons are gonna be so great to be a part of