Cleveland Browns: Players to watch during training camp
By Dan Justik
Caleb Brantley
The Cleveland Browns took a chance in the 2017 NFL Draft when they selected Caleb Brantley in the sixth-round. Brantley had the talent to go in the first two rounds, but he fell in the draft due to assault allegations. The charges were later dropped.
The Browns felt comfortable enough with the situation to take a talented player like Brantley. Last season, Brantley did not have a huge role on the defense. He only played in 20.32 percent of the Browns defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference.
Brantley played in 12 games and amassed 18 total tackles and two sacks. Brantley was stout against the run, and showed that he has the potential to cause some problems in the backfield.
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But last season, he was stuck not having a true position, as the defensive tackle depth chart was filled ahead of him. But after the trade of Danny Shelton, Brantley will be able to rotate into games more often at defensive tackle.
However, with a strong training camp, Brantley could potentially play himself into a starting spot on the defensive line. The Browns have faith in Trevon Coley starting beside Larry Ogunjobi as he is very strong against the run. But Coley does not bring the same pass rushing potential that Brantley has.
Both Brantley and Ogunjobi are due for significant playing time in 2018. After a strong season in 2017, Ogunjobi is in line to start next season. But Brantley will need a strong training camp if he wants to jump into the starting lineup.