The onset of training camp means the onslaught of NFL power rankings also kicks off in full force. They’re largely meaningless to the team or players, but it does give a baseline view of how the team is perceived from the rest of the NFL’s eyes.
Over at Touchdown Wire, those eyes see the Browns in the lower-middle of the NFL pack. Cleveland comes in at No. 19 in their pre-camp polling.
Much of the commentary focuses on the coaching change from Freddie Kitchens to Kevin Stefanski. The new coach has a lot of talent at his disposal, but like Kitchens, he’s a rookie tasked with quickly mastering the jump from coordinator to head man.
Baker Mayfield’s progress, or lack thereof in 2019, also weighs heavily in the ranking,
“Of course, this all depends on Baker Mayfield. Despite what he showed at the end of his rookie season under interim head coach Freddie Kitchens, he could not duplicate his success in year two with Kitchens installed as the head coach.”
Browns fans can take some solace that the team is ranked ahead of rival Pittsburgh. The Steelers are No. 20.