Cleveland Browns: Predicting the starting defense in 2017

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Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (90) hits Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after the pass during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns added a lot of talent to the roster in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here are some early predictions for the starting defense.

The Cleveland Browns were a mess on defense in 2016.

Under former defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the defense was bad – even by Horton’s low standards – as they finished the season:

31st in the NFL in touchdown passes allowed with 36
30th in points per game at 28.2
30th in sacks with 26
31st against the run at 142.7 yards per game
28th in average run per carry at 4.6

Head coach Hue Jackson moved quickly on the problem after the season, relieving Horton of his duties and hiring defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

The team also re-signed linebacker Jamie Collins, and did additional work in the draft, selecting five defensive players overall: defensive end Myles Garrett, safety Jabrill Peppers, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, cornerback Howard Wilson and defensive tackle Caleb Brantley.

Cleveland’s defense will have a different look to it this fall, but will the production stay the same? Let’s take a look at the unit and figure out who the starters will be when the regular season opens in September.

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