Free agents from AFC South Cleveland Browns should consider targeting
By Dan Justik
Houston Texans – Defensive Tackle Christian Covington
One of the priorities for the Cleveland Browns this off-season will be to add talent and depth to the defensive line. Too often in 2018 the Browns front could not generate pressure on the quarterback or hold their gaps, allowing plenty of room for a running back to operate.
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It appears to be a guarantee that the Browns will be adding at least one defensive tackle this off-season to replace Trevon Coley. If Cleveland wants to add a defensive tackle that has shown upside in a limited capacity, then Christian Covington could be of interest in free agency.
The 25-year-old has played a reserve role in the Houston Texans defense and has rarely been used in a starting capacity. In 2018, Covington played in 12 games, two of which he started, making 15 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hits.
A sixth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Covington played in only 24.04 percent of Houston’s defensive snaps last season, according to Pro Football Reference. He missed time due to a thigh injury, but also was a healthy scratch for some games. His 2017 season was cut short because of bicep injury.
Although he has not played a vital role in Houston’s defense, Covington has shown the potential of being a solid pass rusher up the middle. But according to Pro Football Focus, he graded better against the run than the pass.
Even if the Browns do not see Covington as a starter next to Larry Ogunjobi, he would be a solid addition to be used in a rotation at defensive tackle. For Cleveland, all that matters this off-season is that they add good depth along the defensive line. Covington would be just that.