Cleveland Browns: 3 potential breakout stars in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
1. Genard Avery, LB
The Browns hit on several players in the 2018 NFL Draft with the big names being Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, and Nick Chubb. While those players wound up being starters and fueling the team’s success, there were other picks that found their way to the field — and one made quite the impact.
Fifth-round selection Genard Avery out of Memphis came over as a weakside linebacker. However, his impact was felt closer to the line of scrimmage — and he was very effective in that role. In fact, he even was able to create pressures at a higher rate than every rookie edge rusher outside of Bradley Chubb.
#Browns 5th round pick Genard Avery trails only Bradley Chubb in total pressures among rookie edge defenders https://t.co/n9aqcgbYj6
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) December 29, 2018
Heading into this season, Avery will work with a new defensive coordinator in Steve Wilks. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach should have no problem helping Avery maximize his potential.
He could be in line to replace Jamie Collins, who is on the bubble thanks to his huge cap hit. Or, perhaps Wilks will consider moving him to the edge full-time and maximizing on his ability to get after the passer.
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Either way, Avery could improve upon his 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks from his rookie season as he becomes one of the better players on the Cleveland defense.