Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  We are pleased to present our pre-2026 revision of our top 50 Cleveland Browns.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following: 

1.  Duration and Impact.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Advanced Statistics.

4.  Playoff performance.

5. Their respective legacy on the team.

6. How successful the team was when he was there.

7. Respecting the era in which they played.

Criteria 1-4 will make up the lion’s share of the algorithm.  Please note that we have implemented this for the first time.  This has changed the rankings all throughout the board.

Last year, the Browns won only five games, yet three players rose into the top 50.

As always, we present our top five, which saw a change at the top tier of the list.

1. Jim Brown
2. Otto Graham
3. Myles Garrett
4. Joe Thomas
5. Lou Groza

You can find the complete list here:

Defensive End Myles Garrett, who was shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason after winning his second Defensive Player of the Year Award, moved up to #3 from #5.

Offensive Lineman Joel Bitonio edged up two more spots to #14.

The only other change was Cornerback Denzel Ward, who vaulted ten spots to #36.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  As such, we are delighted to present our post-2024 revision of our top 50 Cleveland Browns.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Browns were awful, winning only three games.  Despite this dismal performance, there was one new entry and three elevations on the all-time list.

As always, we present our top five, which saw a new entrant to the elite group.

1. Jim Brown
2. Otto Graham
3. Joe Thomas
4. Lou Groza
5. Myles Garrett 

You can find the entire list here.

The change in the top five saw 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett move up five spots and knock Hall of Fame Tight End Ozzie Newsome from that spot.

Offensive Guard Joel Bitonio moved up three spots to #16 after adding his seventh Pro Bowl in 2024.

Running Back Nick Chubb, who is now a Houston Texan, did enough to move up one spot to #43.

The lone new entry is Cornerback Denzel Ward.  He comes in at #46.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Drafted fourth overall in 2018 out of Ohio State, Denzel Ward didn't have to travel far to start his professional career. The consensus All-American cornerback immediately took over as Cleveland's primary shutdown option on the boundary, establishing a tight, aggressive press-man coverage style that earned him a Pro Bowl selection and an All-Rookie team nod during his maiden NFL campaign.

Ward’s technique and quick closing speed made him a constant presence on the outside, often covering top opposing receivers. Although he has missed time due to concussion worries and minor soft-tissue injuries, his performance when healthy has been elite. During his time in Northeast Ohio, Ward has consistently shown a talent for game-changing plays, including return touchdowns on turnovers and crucial pass breakups in high-pressure situations.

Alongside Myles Garrett, Ward has been a key pillar of Cleveland's defensive identity across various coaching changes and schematic adjustments. His individual performance has garnered consistent praise across the league, earning him consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024 as he directed the secondary of one of the NFL's best pass defenses.

The 2025 season marked another milestone for the veteran corner. Ward was selected to his fifth career Pro Bowl, officially surpassing franchise legend Frank Minnifield (four) for the most Pro Bowl honors by a cornerback in Browns history. He anchored a secondary that held opposing passing attacks in check all year, extending Cleveland's streak to 30 consecutive games without allowing a 300-yard passer.

The Browns are rebuilding again in 2026 (this time without Myles Garrett), but at left cornerback, they have nothing to worry about.