It's been a tumultuous offseason to say the least for the Cleveland Browns organization as a whole, but no matter what drama may surface, there's still plenty of things to be optimistic about when it comes to the team's current roster construction. These next three players especially have all the tools to break out in a big way in 2015 if/when given the chance.
LB Barkevious Mingo
His name alone screams success (or major Scrabble points), but it's the impact he made as a second-year player in an expanded role in 2014 that signals great things ahead for the LSU product. He has all the tools to make the jump from consistent contributor to legitimate defensive anchor, and he's got a great opportunity to confidently put those tools to use in year three of his time in Cleveland.
RB Isaiah Crowell
Here's your 2015 fantasy football special. Crowell simply has a nose for finding paydirt in the red zone, posting 8 touchdowns on just 148 carries in his rookie year from the Browns in 2014. To put that in perspective, 2014 rushing champion DeMarco Murray would have posted over 20 touchdowns if had scored at this pace with his carry load last season (he had a league-leading 13). Expect Crowell to receive extended looks in 2015, and expect him to reward his coaches' confidence with 800-900 yards (at least) and double-digit touchdowns.
CB Justin Gilbert
The 2014 first-round pick struggled mightily in his first year -- so much so that he went from Joe Haden's projected partner-in-crime to riding the bench. Such a humbling experience could be very good for Gilbert, who has all of the innate instincts and physical tools to be a legit shutdown corner. While he may not hit the superstar level in 2015, expect him to find a groove and a regular spot in the secondary rotation.
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