3 Browns that appear to be in make-or-break years following mandatory minicamp

Building off of a playoff appearance in 2023, the Cleveland Browns hope to take a step forward in 2024 from that. Getting Deshaun Watson to less than to the playoffs and winning a playoff game would be the ideal scenario.

The Browns know who their stars are and who they’re building the team around. On the other hand, they know who they need to see more of and who has to prove they should be around for a second contract.

With the offseason soon ending and training camp to begin in July, now is a good time to look at some players who could be in make-or-break seasons for the Browns.

Make or break time for these Browns

LT Jedrick Wills Jr.

Cleveland drafted Wills to be their next longtime placeholder at left tackle since it was left by Joe Thomas. To this point, Wills has not shown that he can be that guy. Two things that Wills has struggled with are health and consistent play, at times they have played hand in hand.

Wills has missed multiple games in three of four seasons and a knee injury limited him to just eight games last season. Now in his fifth year, Wills has to prove he is worth a new contract with the team.

A standout season would put Wikks in a position to be paid nicely next year whether that is with the Browns or someone else. If it is a poor year, Wills could be looking at a short deal with not as much cash flow.

WR David Bell

Bell is only entering his third season but he needs to step up and show his worth to the Browns. Whether that is carving out a specific role that the Browns can utilize him, or he finds a certain way to stand out.

In 15 games last season, Bell caught just 14 passes for 167 yards. He has his first three touchdowns of his career, but his yardage fell off from 214 the previous season.

With the team trading for Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman entering his second season, Bell’s role is limited at best on paper right now. Rookie Jamari Thrash will look to carve out a role as well. Bell hasn’t shown anything yet to make us believe he won’t be replaced after his fourth season. Maybe, just maybe the third season is where Bell takes off a bit.

RT Jack Conklin

Conklin has been hit by the injury bug hard in Cleveland. For two of the last three seasons, Conklin has played in single-digit games. He lost last year in the first game against the Cincinnati Bengals and in 2021 played in seven games.

Cleveland does have Conklin signed through the 2026 season, so moving off of him would not be easy unless he was traded. If Conklin stays healthy, it is not a big issue but that hasn’t happened a whole lot in Cleveland.

Dawand Jones stepped in as a rookie last season when he was needed with Conklin going down. Jones can step in and be the starter at any time and that makes it more important for Conklin to have a nice season in 2024. If not, the Browns have his successor.