The Cleveland Browns open 2020 NFL training camp on July 28 at their practice facility in Berea, Ohio. Here's a closer look at a few storylines:
How can Cleveland's new offensive scheme help quarterback Baker Mayfield and the other skill players?
As several returning players have remarked -- most notably wide receiver Jarvis Landry -- the Browns never found their identity offensively last season, despite all the firepower.
But given how Stefanski called the Vikings' offense in 2019, it's not difficult to envision what Cleveland's offense could be this season. That should help all of Cleveland's skill talents, starting with Mayfield. The Browns are going to be a run-first offense which should help Mayfield be a more efficient quarterback. A heavy -- and effective -- dose of running backs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt operating out of multiple tight end sets will ease the pressure on Mayfield, while also setting him up for big plays in the passing game downfield to Landry, Odell Beckham Jr. and new tight end Austin Hooper.
Will Cleveland's revamped offensive line be improved?
Without a doubt. Barring injuries, Cleveland's offensive line will be the most improved unit on the team, and perhaps one of the most improved in the entire NFL.
Last season, Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard both ranked outside the top 40 among offensive tackles in pass block win rate, and Mayfield was sacked more often per passing attempt than any other quarterback in the AFC.
In turn, Browns general manager Andrew Berry overhauled the position this offseason, signing free agent right tackle Jack Conklin and using the 10th overall pick on Jedrick Wills Jr., who is sliding over to left tackle after protecting left-hander Tua Tagovailoa's blindside at Alabama.
Playing for Tennessee, Conklin was the NFL's top-rated right tackle in pass block win rate in 2019. Wills has all the tools of a franchise left tackle. They join Pro Bowl left guard Joel Bitonio and stalwart center JC Tretter, giving the Browns the pieces to feature one of the better lines in the league and the potential for a massive one-year turnaround up front.
After a tumultuous season, can Myles Garrett make good on his vow to challenge for NFL Defensive Player of the Year?
Garrett's 2019 season was completely marred on Nov. 14, when he ripped the helmet off of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and slugged him in the head with it, resulting in a season-ending suspension. That ultimately overshadowed what previously had been a breakout campaign for Garrett, who was leading the AFC in sacks before the suspension.
Garrett has since been reinstated, and seems primed for a monster fourth season in the league. Even though they couldn't land Jadeveon Clowney to start opposite him, the Browns still upgraded the depth of the defensive line, signing free agents Adrian Clayborn and Andrew Billings. A healthy season from starting end Olivier Vernon, who was plagued by a knee injury last year, would be a boost, as well.
Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, has the talent. If he keeps swarming opposing quarterbacks, and the Browns finally start winning games, he could become a factor in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation -- provided he doesn't allow the Rudolph incident to affect him going forward.
What is the expectation for Stefanski given the lack of an in-person offseason program?
There's no question the coronavirus pandemic has placed the Browns at a disadvantage, as they've attempted to incorporate new schemes via a less-than-ideal virtual offseason.
Doesn't matter. The expectations for Stefanski and the Browns won't change. Nor should they.
This team is too talented and too invested not to finally snap the NFL's longest playoff drought, which is up to 18 years. Stefanski has gotten glowing reviews from assistant coaches and players for the way he handled and managed all of the obstacles over his first offseason as a head coach.
But the true test will come in the fall. And anything less than coaching Cleveland to the playoffs would have to be considered a disappointment.