A story on si.com, the best pro football website there is, has a list that includes the Browns among the 10 most improved teams in the league so far in the offseason. The story by Gilberto Manzano puts them at No. 10.

He lists the Browns’ key veteran additions as wide receiver Elijah Moore, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and safety Juan Thornhill. The key NFL Draft additions, according to Manzano, are wide receiver Cedric Tillman, defensive tackle Siaki Ika and offensive tackle Dawand Jones.

His analysis is: “The Browns made a handful of under-the-radar moves to address concerns on both sides of the trenches. Tomlinson and Ika will be tasked with improving Cleveland run defense, while Jones will give the team flexibility as the swing tackle, with the possibility of pushing for a starting spot. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had six subpar performances during his first season in Cleveland, could establish a passing rhythm with the arrivals of Moore and Tillman. The Browns’ additions didn’t generate headlines, but they might make them playoff contenders this season.”

The top nine teams ahead of the Browns are, in order:

1. Seattle Seahawks.

2. New York Jets.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers.

4. New York Giants.

5. Houston Texans.

6. Carolina Panthers.

7. Atlanta Falcons.

8. Chicago Bears.

9. Miami Dolphins.

As a footnote, the presence of talented defensive end Za’Darius Smith, acquired by the Browns in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, was not included because the deal happened only recently, but if he had been considered, you have to wonder if it would have improved the team’s standing on this list.

Steve King