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The Cleveland Browns are not showing up near the top of many preseason rankings, however, not everyone believes they’re headed for another lost year. While the Browns still have plenty of questions at quarterback, one NFL analyst sees enough elsewhere on the roster to believe they’ll avoid finishing at the bottom of the league.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes recently placed the Browns just ahead of the Miami Dolphins in her preseason rankings, arguing that one side of the Browns roster gives them an edge despite the uncertainty surrounding the offense.
Mina Kimes Believes Cleveland Browns’ Defense Gives Team Edge Over Miami Dolphins
Kimes ranked the Browns 31st overall, only ahead of the Dolphins; however, her reasoning wasn’t centered on what Cleveland lacks. Except, she pointed to the defense, recent draft classes and an intriguing collection of young offensive talent as reasons the Browns could outperform expectations if things begin to click.
“31 and 32 are between the Dolphins and the Browns. The Browns defense is probably the best unit on both sides of the ball, but I think the Dolphins offense has the potential to be better than the Browns offense… I’m going to take the Browns over the Dolphins, though, purely because of the Browns defense and how well they drafted in recent years. Quarterback competition, extremely cursed. I actually think the Browns situation could be fun and getting better, like, all the young receivers. I love Fannin Jr.”
The QB battle remains the biggest unknown entering Todd Monken’s first season, making it difficult for outside observers to rank the Browns much higher. Still, Kimes did not paint the Browns as a hopeless team. Her comments reflected confidence in the roster foundation rather than certainty about immediate results
Kimes also highlighted the team’s collection of young pass catchers, an area that has generated optimism throughout the offseason. Second-round receiver Denzel Boston has earned rave reviews, while first-round pick KC Concepcion brings explosiveness to Monken’s new offense, TE Harold Fannin Jr. has also drawn attention as another rookie capable of contributing early.
Whether that translates into wins depends largely on the QB room, however, Kimes’ evaluation suggests that the Browns may be more competitive than its No. 31 ranking initially indicates.
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The post Mina Kimes Predicts Browns Will Finish Ahead of Dolphins Thanks to One Key Advantage appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
