The offensive production for the Cleveland Browns was underwhelming during the 2022 season. As expected, there was a lot of rust for Deshaun Watson to knock off upon his return to the lineup as they moved the ball with very little success during his time on the field.
The Browns relied heavily on their ground game in 2022, which wasn’t all too surprising. Nick Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL and he showcased that once again gaining 1,525 yards on 302 carries with 12 touchdowns. He added 27 receptions for 239 yards and one more score for a nice stat line.
While he can be relied upon once again in 2023, if the Browns are to take things to the next level, they need Watson playing at a higher level. He should be more comfortable with a full offseason to learn Kevin Stefanski’s system and to build chemistry with his pass catchers. But, it wouldn’t hurt to see the skill position groups upgraded around him.
Amari Cooper once again played like a No. 1 receiver, catching 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns. However, behind him on the wide receiver depth chart, more consistency is needed.
Donovan Peoples-Jones had a breakout season catching 61 passes for 839 yards and three touchdowns. While certainly solid for a No. 2 option, the Browns received virtually nothing behind him. Rookie David Bell with 24 receptions was third among wide receivers on the team.
That leaves a good-sized void in the passing game as the Browns lacked a third option. Tight end David Njoku had a good season, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add a third wide receiver to the mix.
One player that could fit the bill for the Browns is Allen Lazard. Lazard made it pretty clear that he won’t be returning to the Green Bay Packers this offseason and is set up in a nice spot entering free agency. In a relatively weak wide receiver class, Lazard is one of the top options available.
Still only 27 years old, he would be a nice fit in Cleveland as a complementary player behind Cooper and Peoples-Jones. He provides insurance for the younger players in Bell and Anthony Schwartz in case they don’t develop as well as the team hoped and also brings some intangibles to the position that were lost with Jarvis Landry being moved on from last offseason.
Lazard is an elite run blocker, something that will endear himself to the Browns coaching staff in a run-first attack. Coming off a career season with 60 catches for 788 yards and six touchdowns, Lazard would be an ideal fit for Cleveland given his skill set and the intangibles he brings to the field.
