Are Browns Really a Top-10 Skill Group? Ranking Raises Questions

The Cleveland Browns have been placed 9th on Sports Illustrated’s list of the best skill-position groups, but that ranking may not tell the full story of their current situation. As the Browns prepare to open their season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8th, questions remain about the reliability and health of their key offensive players. With Nick Chubb sidelined for at least the first four games and Jerry Jeudy still adjusting to his new role, Cleveland’s high ranking may be more optimistic than realistic. The Browns will need a strong showing in Week 1 to prove they deserve a spot among the NFL’s elite skill groups.

Matt Verderame of SI.com notes that "few teams have more pure talent than the Browns, but lousy quarterback play and injuries have held them back.”

While it’s easy to be hopeful, there are legitimate reasons to question whether the Browns truly belong in the top 10.

Yes, Nick Chubb is one of the league's premier running backs, but his gruesome knee injury from last season casts doubt on how quickly he can return to form. Chubb, expected to miss at least the first four games, has been a powerhouse for Cleveland, but counting on him to be the same after a second significant injury is a gamble. The Browns will have to rely on a mix of Jerome Ford , D'Onta Foreman , and Pierre Strong Jr. in the meantime, none of whom have proven capable of matching Chubb's production.

The other key pieces in Cleveland's skill group , such as Amari Cooper, have their own challenges. While Cooper remains a solid receiver, posting another 1,000-yard season in 2023, he has struggled with consistency and is now on the wrong side of 30. And then there’s Deshaun Watson, whose play since joining the Browns has been marred by inconsistency and off-field issues. Watson's performance must drastically improve if the Browns are to justify this lofty ranking, but there are no guarantees after a shaky 2023 season.

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Further complicating matters is the addition of Jerry Jeudy , who, while talented, is unproven in Cleveland's system. David Njoku’s potential has yet to be fully realized, leaving more questions than answers about the Browns' ability to dominate offensively this year.

While optimism is essential, placing the Browns at No. 9 may be overly ambitious given the uncertainties surrounding their key players. Until Chubb returns and Watson proves he can lead this offense effectively, a top-10 ranking feels premature.