Cleveland Browns: Three players that could surprise in 2018

Chris Smith – Defensive End

The Browns gave Chris Smith a decent amount of money for a player that has not received a ton of playing time in his career. But with Cleveland, he will get the playing time that will help him live up to the contract.

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It is expected that Smith will be a rotational defensive end that will play in passing situations. Without any defensive tackles that can be solid pass rushers, Smith will also see time inside.

With Emmanuel Ogbah and Myles Garrett rushing the edges, quarterbacks are not going to be able to break contain that often. Being confined in the pocket, quarterbacks will be susceptible to pressure up the middle. That is where Smith can make a name for himself in Cleveland.

Smith played well when he was moved inside last year for the Bengals. He compiled four sacks and three tackles for loss. Although he played with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap, Garrett and Ogbah have shown to be a lethal combo together. That will force offenses to game plan for extra protection on the edges rather than inside. This will leave Smith going ono-on-one against slower guards.

Even if he does not play inside all the time, he has shown he can get to the quarterback on the edge. If he is filling in for Garrett or Ogbah at defensive end, he has the ability to get to the quarterback himself.