The Browns have added a ton of upgrades during free agency, but they are counting on QB Deshaun Watson to take a huge step forward in 2023. Even though the Cleveland Browns are Counting On Deshaun Watson, But JOK and Wills Have The Most To Prove in 2023. We discuss that and more on this episode of Locked on Browns!

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Heading into the 2023 season there will be real expectations for the Cleveland Browns defense to perform under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. A big help in making that happen would be linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah taking that next step. Pro Football Focus has named JOK as a breakout candidate for the Browns in 2023. This season before his season-ending injury, the Notre Dame product posted a 64.3 grade. Owusu-Koramoah appeared in 11 games in 2022 and made 70 tackles, seven for a loss, and matched his rookie total of two forced fumbles. As a rookie, JOK played in 14 games and made 76 tackles. Over his first two seasons, Owusu-Koramoah has showcased a rare ability to shed blocks with how agile he is. He's made a living on doing so and quickly diagnosing the play. The next step in him becoming a high-level player at the position will be finishing plays. Schwartz should have the ability to put JOK in a position to succeed. Cleveland's defense will be a lot different in 2023, it starts with the new defensive coordinator.

Jedrick Wills Jr.

By May 1, the Browns must decide whether to pick up the fully-guaranteed fifth-year option for 2024 on left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. Based on the formula used for those options, picking up the option on Wills would cost the Browns $14.175 million for 2024. Berry cited his personal policy of not publicly discussing contract issues in declining to disclose the Browns’ plans, but he echoed Stefanski’s previous sentiments in saying the Browns believe 2022 was Wills’ best season after two different ankle injuries limited Wills’ effectiveness in 2021. “I think in the moment, in the season, you felt (good about Wills) because he was healthy and was playing well,” Stefanski said. “But as you go back and watch a lot of the tape over and over, he’s doing a nice job in the run game and the pass game. He’s winning his one-on-one matchups. Never perfect because it’s hard to be perfect as a left tackle in this game. But he played well. I really think, if he stays healthy, the trajectory continues to ascend.” If the Browns pick up Wills’ option — and it feels like a near-certainty that they will — they won’t necessarily plug a cap charge of more than $14 million into their 2024 planning. They could still sign Wills to a long-term extension before the option year kicks in, and the Browns generally have back-loaded those second contracts to reduce the first-year cap charge. Given the team’s cap situation, that might be a necessity, though it’s too early to know for sure.

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