Cleveland Browns: Five positions to fix in 2016

The defensive end group did not give the Browns what they had hoped for in 2015. Desmond Bryant led the team in sacks with six, but the rest of the defensive line group only managed six combined sacks. The defensive line also did not manage to create much push aside from Bryant and struggled stopping the run.

In addition, although very talented, Bryant has struggled with injuries in his time as a Brown and the team has struggled without him. Bryant is the only thing close to a difference maker that the Browns currently have at defensive end. Jamie Meder is solid, but Randy Starks is 32 years old and had one sack last year, while Xavier Cooper was disappointing as a rookie.

Free Agent Options

Denver Broncos’ not-so-underrated-anymore Malik Jackson will be looking to cash in on a postseason in the limelight. The Broncos have already resigned Derek Wolfe and are about to pay Von Miller a very large sum of money. Jackson would be a great signing for the Browns – or any team – and would add a disruptive presence on the defensive line. He can rush from inside or on the edge and also plays the run well. He would be worth the contract the Browns would have to pay him.

Related: Cleveland Browns draft profile: Joey Bosa

Draft Options

Ohio State superstar Joey Bosa would add power and athleticism to the Browns’ defensive front. A hand-in-the-dirt power rusher, he also plays the run extremely well. He could be a disruptive presence along the line for the Browns.

Less well-known is Northwestern defensive and Shrine Game standout Dean Lowry. Lowry is a very big and powerful presence who can rock blockers when he keeps his pads down.

Next: Quarterback