Cleveland Browns: 5 players flying under the radar
By Joel W. Cade
2. Jamie Meder
Jamie Meder has been a stable presence in the Browns defensive tackle room for a while. He is currently the longest tenured defensive tackle on the team. It was Meder’s block against the then San Diego Chargers that secured the Browns only win during their 1-31 run over the past two seasons.
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Meder was acquired in 2014 after he was released by the Baltimore Ravens. He spent most of the year on the Browns practice squad. He was called up to the 53 man roster for week 17. He has spent the rest of his time in Cleveland on the active roster.
Meder was brought in at a time when the Browns were running the 3-4 defense and needed a double gap style nose tackle. He played well in that role in 2016 where he started 15 games along with Danny Shelton. Meder’s best asset is being a space eater.
Unfortunately, last season with the switch in defensive coordinators to an attacking style 4-3 defense, the role Meder would play on the team became a question. As the team transitions away from space eaters to more quick penetrating players, Meder will have to change his style of play.
But with Shelton gone, keeping a player like Meder may make a lot of sense. With NFL defenses playing a lot of sub packages, having a guy who can eat up space and take on double teams may be an asset. If he can prove his worth, Meder’s leadership and longevity on the team may be just what the Browns need to develop their younger players.