The AFC once again look loaded with roster talents on multiple teams. Last year the 10-6 Dolphins missed the playoffs, and they were on a long list of teams including the Chiefs, Ravens, Browns, Colts etc. that made roster upgrades ahead of the 2021 season. And after a successful offseason, Marcus Spears had a bold take for the Cleveland Browns.
Advertisement
The reigning AFC champs, the Chiefs, filled their biggest need in the offseason, rebuilding their depleted offensive lines into one of the best units in the league. Baltimore biggest hole on the team was the absence of wideout help, so the front office brought in Sammy Watkins and then drafted Rashod Bateman in the first round of the draft.
The Indianapolis Colts reunited Carson Wentz with HC Frank Reich. The Dolphins added Will Fuller and drafted Jaylen Waddle with the 6th overall pick. And the New England Patriots basically revamped the entire roster in Free Agency.
But the Cleveland Browns may have topped all these teams ahead of the 2021 season.
Marcus Spears believes the Browns have the best roster in the AFC.
ESPN’s Marcus Spears named the Cleveland Browns as the AFC team with the best roster on paper heading into summer training camp. The NFL analyst went through some of the highlights of Kevin Stefanski’s group, to make the case that Cleveland has the most complete unit in the conference.
“On paper right now in the NFL on the AFC side, the Cleveland Browns have the best roster… Quote me!” Spears said after breaking down the Browns on both sides of the ball.
The Browns biggest need heading into the 2021 season was to address their defensive woes. They brought in safety John Johnson III and CB Troy Hill to add to Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit in the secondary. Jadeweon Clowney also signed with the Browns to play alongside Myles Garrett. And then GM Andrew Berry drafted Greg Newsome and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who could very well be the steal of the draft.
On offence, Baker Mayfield made steady improvements throughout the 2020 season. So it’s an educated assumption that will make a big step forward, considering he will have the same HC for the first time in his career. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt lead one of the best running back units in the NFL supported by possibly the best offensive line in the league.
And all of this is apart from star wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, and a loaded Tight End unit.
Spears was quick to say the Chiefs remained his Super Bowl favourites heading into June. However, if the Browns are as talented as he thinks they are, the AFC could get interesting next fall.
