NFL Cleveland Browns

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Cleveland Browns in 2015

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By @ogab_3

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Cleveland Browns in 2015

Manziel Crowell
Andrew Weber - USA Today Sports

The Cleveland Browns had one of their better seasons in ages this year, finishing near .500 and being in playoff contention for a lot of the year. However, inconsistent defense and a faltering offense down the stretch eventually doomed them. In light of that, here are five of their young players that could make strides to improve the team next season.

5. Taylor Gabriel - WR

Taylor Gabriel
Tommy Gilligan - USA Today Sports

5. Taylor Gabriel - WR

Taylor Gabriel
Tommy Gilligan - USA Today Sports

Taylor Gabriel is not a particularly heralded player. Many people probably haven't even heard of him. And yet, he had a few big games for the Browns this year. More importantly, in a year where star wide receiver Josh Gordon might leave, Gabriel might be asked to step up into a bigger role. Especially seeing as they don't have a ton of depth at receiver anyway, look for Gabriel in 2015.

4. Barkevious Mingo - LB

Barkevious Mingo
Ken Blaze - USA Today Sports

4. Barkevious Mingo - LB

Barkevious Mingo
Ken Blaze - USA Today Sports

Barkevious Mingo, besides having one of the best name in the NFL, is emerging as a really solid player on the Browns' defense. He saw his role expand greatly in his second season. Now, he will get an opportunity to take the leap from solid contributor to star linebacker for their defense. They need to shore up certain areas, and having Mingo be an elite player would be a huge bonus.

3. Isaiah Crowell - RB

Isaiah Crowell
Joseph Maiorana - USA Today Sports

3. Isaiah Crowell - RB

Isaiah Crowell
Joseph Maiorana - USA Today Sports

Isaiah Crowell this season became a part of a two-headed backfield with another young gun, Terrance West. Both showed signs of extreme promise early on in their careers. The Browns would be smart to fill other spots this offseason, and rely on West and Crowell to keep improving and become beasts in their backfield.

2. Johnny Manziel - QB

Johnny Manziel
Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

2. Johnny Manziel - QB

Johnny Manziel
Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

That's right people, it's Johnny Football time. As an admitted Manziel fan, I wanted to see him succeed this year. That didn't happen due to a number of issues, some of them his own, but he will have an opportunity next season. Brian Hoyer seemed to reveal his true mediocre colors, and Manziel could be the electrifying answer for the Browns. Or he could be a disaster. Either way, it'll be fun.

1. Justin Gilbert - CB

Justin Gilbert
Ken Blaze - USA Today Sports

1. Justin Gilbert - CB

Justin Gilbert
Ken Blaze - USA Today Sports

The No. 1 spot on this list goes to Manziel's fellow first-round draft choice, cornerback Justin Gilbert. Gilbert was supposed to line up across Joe Haden and form a deadly duo on the outsides. Instead, Gilbert struggled so mightily he got benched for a lot of the season and got called out by his teammates. Gilbert clearly has the talent to be a good player in the NFL, but the Browns really need him to figure it out in a hurry.

Owen Gabbey is a baseball writer who also contributes for the NFL for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ogab_3, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google. 

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