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Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Jonathan Allen

By Kirk Binder

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen /

Adding a player along the defensive line in addition to the selection of Myles Garrett would truly help the Cleveland Browns. Enter Jonathan Allen.

The Cleveland Browns finished 30th in the NFL in points against and 31st overall in yards allowed in 2016. To say they need improvement from the defense is an understatement.

The 2017 NFL Draft is the best place for Sashi Brown, Hue Jackson and new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to attain the help they need.

If the Browns do indeed hold onto the No. 1 overall pick as most believe they will, the obvious selection is Texas A&M defensive end, Myles Garrett. Considered a generational talent by experts, he is compared to the likes of Julius Peppers and Jadeveon Clowney. However, Cleveland could and should still add more help to the defensive line.

Browns 2016 defensive line

Last season saw the emergence of Danny Shelton, who was playing the nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme the Browns were utilizing. Many thought Shelton deserved a spot in the Pro Bowl due to his improvement and outstanding play. With the switch to the 4-3, his role will not change much as he will more often than not still be asked to take on double teams.

Emmanuel Ogbah did not look out-of-place in his rookie season, making several big plays. He was also converting to a different position as he was a defensive end in college. He now gets to slide back to his original position.

Jamie Meder came on strong toward the end of the season but he is more of a rotational/depth DT than a true starter. Desmond Bryant will be back but after missing a full season how will that affect him?

The lack of a pass rush put a lot of pressure on the secondary as they had to try to hold their assignments for far too long. Not having the ability to stop the run led to long drives, usually ending in points against. The lack of any sustained defense put way to much pressure on a young offense as they were continually having to play catch-up.

This is where the Browns need to make their biggest improvement to be competitive in 2017.

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