After three weeks into the season the Cleveland Browns have gotten off to a 2-1 start. The defense has been stifling with opposing offenses unable to get anything going, while our own offense is clearly working things out to find their identity.
While we have a good feel for the roles that players have on the team, it’s a good time to evaluate if there are players who deserve more opportunities. I have identified three players that I would like to see get more snaps on the field.
DE- Alex Wright
Wright came away with his first NFL sack during the Titans game on Sunday. He has seen snaps both inside and on the edge and has played in 27% of defensive snaps so far. He has also been disruptive in stopping the run and by creating pressure in his limited role.
I would like to see him continue to carve out more snaps as the season continues. Za’Darius Smith has been outstanding but he will be looking to get paid heavily in his next contract. With Okoronkwo locked in for the next two years, it may be wise to prepare and give Wright the role currently being played by Smith next year.
RB- Pierre Strong Jr.
The loss of Nick Chubb will facilitate seeing more of Strong on the field. The team has already turned over kick return duties to Strong in order to not risk Jerome Ford being injured.
Strong led the team in rushing yards Sunday in just 6 attempts. The decision ultimately comes down to Kareem Hunt or Strong to supplement Ford. Hunt will have a niche role but I hope that doesn’t cost Strong his share of opportunities.
WR- David Bell
Bell is averaging just over 10 snaps per game and while last Sunday was quiet, I think he had perhaps his best game against the Steelers six days earlier.
Donovan Peoples-Jones is currently seeing the field on almost 90% of total offensive plays at the moment and has only had 5 catches. Bell has 3 catches in his limited number of snaps.
He is also phenomenal at blocking in the run game out of the slot. DPJ is also a very good blocker which is why he is seeing so many snaps. I would like to see more Bell in the slot with Elijah Moore getting more snaps outside at the X and Z.
Peoples-Jones is going to be a free agent and I think if the team wants to make a run at resigning Grant Delpit then they may need to let DPJ hit the market. Might as well give yourself a better evaluation of Bell’s progress and potential.
It will be interesting to see their plan unfold moving forward but I think all three of these young guys need to have more of a role. The team has an early bye after this week’s game with the Ravens and could use that time to make some alterations to their personnel usage after self scouting.
More must-reads: