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Cleveland Browns: 5 Free agent defensive end targets in 2019

By Randy Gurzi

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a sack against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans won 23-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans celebrates after a sack against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans won 23-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2. DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys

Like Ezekiel Ansah, DeMarcus Lawrence looks forward to free agency for the second year in a row. Ahead of the 2018 season, the Dallas Cowboys decided to franchise tag their second-round pick from 2014 after a breakout campaign in 2016.

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Lawrence actually cost Dallas two picks as they traded their second and third-round picks to move up for the Boise State star, but he dealt with injuries as well as a suspension in 2016. He rebounded from that with great seasons in both 2017 and 2018.

Lawrence received grades of 91.6 and 88 from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) and was a top-10 edge rusher in each of those campaigns. While all of that is great, what makes Lawrence a perfect fit for the Cleveland Browns is that he’s spent the past couple of seasons starring from the left side of the line meaning he would fit perfectly opposite Garrett who primarily plays right end for Cleveland.

It’s also not a stretch to say that as good as Lawrence is against the pass, he could be just as good — if not better — at holding up against the run. A complete defender like him is hard to come by in free agency and there’s a great chance Dallas does lock him up. They probably won’t use a second franchise tag though, which means there’s an outside chance D-Law could hit the open market. If he does, the Browns should get their checkbook ready because he would be worth it.

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