The story of the Cleveland Browns offseason has revolved around Deshaun Watson and Baker Mayfield but it is Jacoby Brissett that could see the most snaps at quarterback for the team. If that happens, the team’s excellent offensive line and deep running back group will have to lead the way on offense along with new addition Amari Cooper and the returning David Njoku.
The Browns would also need to rely on their defense to keep them in games with Brissett behind center. Thankfully, the defense looked up to the task in the second half of the 2021 season and returned most of their important players in 2022.
The return of Jadeveon Clowney was huge for the team as was the long-term extension given to Denzel Ward.
It is the development of some of their younger players that could take the defense to the next level including Grant Delpit, Greg Newsome II and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
According to Nick Shook of NFL.com and former writer for Browns.com, Newsome is well set up to make his first Pro Bowl in 2022:
Newsome looks like he was a wise choice for general manager Andrew Berry in the first round of the 2021 draft, and although he’ll have plenty of quality competition for a spot (starting with his teammate), Newsome has arguably the best chance of any current Browns player to make his first Pro Bowl.
Shook also notes Donovan Peoples-Jones as a potential first-time Pro Bowl candidate.
With Ward on one side, Newsome may get thrown at more often giving him a bigger chance to make plays on the ball. Interceptions, pass breakups and forced fumbles are a great way to draw the attention of voters.
If Watson is given a significant suspension, the defense will need to be outstanding to help the team reach its goals. Newsome having a Pro Bowl season would help that become a reality.