The Kevin Stefanski era is over in Cleveland. Todd Monken comes from the Ravens to take over as head coach and try to improve the Browns after a 5-12 season last year. Travis Switzer joins Monken as the new offensive coordinator. Deshaun Watson will be the opening-day starter at quarterback. Quinshon Judkins returns as the lead running back. Four of the top five receivers return from last year. Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. return as starters. Cleveland also welcomes rookies Denzel Boston from the University of Washington and KC Concepcion from Texas A&M, both expected to step into starting roles. The Browns have massive turnover on the offensive line, with no every-day starters returning. Zion Johnson joins the team after playing for the Chargers last year, while Elgton Jenkins comes over from the Packers and Tytus Howard from the Texans. Teven Jenkins also joins the new-look unit, while Utah rookie Spencer Fano will start at left tackle.
Mike Rutenberg is the new defensive coordinator. Cleveland returns six of its top eleven tacklers from a season ago. Isaiah McGuire, Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, and Carson Schwesinger return in the front seven. Jared Verse joins the Browns from the Rams as part of the Myles Garrett trade, while Quincy Williams comes over from the Jets. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will miss the season with a neck injury, and Alex Wright is on IR with an Achilles injury. Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, and Myles Harden return to the secondary, with Mekhi Blackmon joining the team from Indianapolis.
Byron Storer takes over as special teams coordinator. Andre Szmyt returns as placekicker after connecting on 89% of his attempts last year. Corey Bojorquez returns as punter. KC Concepcion was an electric punt returner at Texas A&M and will look to convert his talent to the NFL level. Malachi Corley is back as the kick returner. The biggest question for the Browns will be in the trenches: how will the new offensive line hold up, and on defense, what will life look like after Myles Garrett?