Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff Writer 4y

Running back, wide receiver top Browns' position-group rankings

The Cleveland Browns were one of the most active teams this offseason, signing a pair of key starters offensively while retooling their defense with a series of short-term deals. They also hope they just drafted their franchise left tackle with the 10th overall pick, as well as a host of potential future starters defensively.

What does it mean for where the Browns stand as far as position groups? Well, here's a ranking, from strongest to weakest, going into training camp:

1. Running back: The Browns boast one prior NFL rushing champ in Kareem Hunt and nearly another in Nick Chubb, who was 47 yards away from becoming one himself last season. In Kevin Stefanski's run-heavy attack, look for both to touch the ball even more per game this season. Also factoring in the addition of blocking fullback Andy Janovich, the Browns figure to be a load in the running game.

2. Wide receiver: Even playing through injuries last season, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. still both went over 1,000 yards receiving. Having undergone offseason surgeries, they're primed to be healthy again in 2020, giving them an opportunity to become the top receiving duo in the NFL many pegged them to be last preseason. The No. 3 receiver will be less critical now, with the Browns' base attack shifting to 22 personnel. Still, Cleveland has options for the role. Rashard Higgins caught a lot of passes from Baker Mayfield in 2018; sixth-round pick Donovan Peoples-Jones has the talent to be a third pass-catching playmaker.

3. Defensive line: This unit didn't live up to its billing last year, even before Myles Garrett's helmet-swinging, season-ending suspension. But with Garrett back, the potential remains for this to be a top-10 group in the league. It certainly will be much deeper following the offseason additions of Adrian Clayborn, Andrew Billings and third-rounder Jordan Elliott. Of course, end Jadeveon Clowney, whom the Browns have pursued, remains unsigned and could bolster this group even more.

4. Quarterback: This spot might be more reflective of Mayfield's banner first season than last year's sophomore struggle. But given the savvy moves the Browns have made around him, there's nothing stopping Mayfield from rediscovering the rhythm he flashed as a rookie. Having respected veteran Case Keenum, also one of the NFL's top backups, in the same room as a sounding board should only help.

5. Offensive line: By overhauling the tackle positions, the offensive line could go from the Browns' worst unit to one of their best. That hinges heavily on how quickly 10th overall pick Jedrick Wills Jr. makes the adjustment from right tackle, where he played in college, to left tackle. But with prized free-agent addition Jack Conklin set to anchor the right bookend, this line, with stalwart left guard Joel Bitonio and center JC Tretter, seems to be a virtual lock to be among the NFL's most improved.

6. Tight end: Tight ends are invaluable in Stefanski's scheme, which is why landing Austin Hooper in free agency was so important. With Beckham Jr. and Landry operating out wide, Hooper, with 146 receptions the past two seasons, should have favorable matchups and loads of space over the middle with which to operate. The Browns need David Njoku to bounce back from his nightmare 2019 season. If he does, tight end suddenly becomes a strength.

7. Defensive back: In terms of young talent and potential, the Browns have the goods to one day form an elite secondary. Right now, it's a question mark. Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams were both slowed by hamstring injuries last year after looking so promising together in training camp. The rest of the starting secondary -- for the moment, safeties Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo and nickelback Kevin Johnson -- are one-year stopgaps for now. Intriguing rookie Grant Delpit, however, could change the equation here if he plays up to his massive upside.

8. Linebacker: The Browns are in transition mode here after losing a pair of longtime starters in Christian Kirksey (signed with the Packers) and Joe Schobert, who signed a five-year deal with Jacksonville worth $21.5 million in guaranteed money. Mack Wilson performed well at times as a rookie replacing Kirksey, who was lost for the year in Week 2 with a pectoral injury, and Sione Takitaki too had his moments. The Browns hope free-agent veteran B.J. Goodson will help bridge the gap as the young guys, including third-round draft Jacob Phillips, develop.

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