The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2024 NFL season with a roster that oscillates between being impressively stacked and simply being very strong, largely contingent on Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s form. After a commendable playoff journey in 2023, the Browns have retained a significant chunk of their squad, bolstered their lineup with key acquisitions like Jerry Jeudy and Jordan Hicks, and roped in rookie Michael Hall Jr. from the NFL draft for an immediate boost.

The spotlight, however, shines unwaveringly on Watson. The quarterback role is pivotal, and Watson, with his inconsistent performances, has yet to earn unequivocal confidence.

Yet, the Browns managed to carve a successful path in 2023 despite the fluctuating quarterback play. Optimism burgeons with the belief that if Watson can consistently deliver performances akin to his last season’s highlights against the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, the Browns’ Super Bowl aspirations wouldn’t be far-fetched.

Espn insider Aaron Schatz recently undertook the task of pinpointing “biggest remaining roster holes” for NFL teams, and his analysis for the Browns pointed towards cornerback depth— a finding that stirred a bit of surprise. While the Browns boast a formidable starting trio of cornerbacks in Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., and Greg Newsome II, concerns loom over depth beyond these names. The secondary, which includes Cameron Mitchell, a fifth-round pick, Justin Hardee, a special teams specialist from the Jets, and Myles Harden, a seventh-round selection from South Dakota, largely comprises undrafted rookies and lesser-known talents.

While criticism isn’t something I gravitate towards, especially against a respected analyst like Schatz, the focus on Cleveland’s cornerback depth does raise eyebrows. The team has issues that arguably warrant more attention, such as tight end or linebacker depth. Furthermore, with Nick Chubb’s injury leaving a void, the running back position could also be deemed a more critical area needing reinforcement.

For context, Schatz’s analysis of other AFC North teams highlighted more acute needs, such as a starting left guard for the Baltimore Ravens, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals amid Tee Higgins’ uncertain situation, and a third starting cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This comparison distinctly puts the Browns’ need for a fourth cornerback in a softer light, suggesting that while Cleveland might be looking for enhancements, their overall roster depth is in comparatively robust shape heading into the 2024 season.