Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: Way too early 53-man roster prediction

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next
Cleveland Browns
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the field after the Browns lost to the Oakland Raiders in overtime at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line (9):

Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson, Olivier Vernon, Chris Smith, Chad Thomas, Trevon Coley, Brian Price, Anthony Zettel

This may be the most improved group this offseason because of the fact that there was a 50 percent turnover among the four starters. Myles Garrett starts at defensive end and is coming off a breakout season. He had 13.5 sacks to lead the team, which was up from the seven he had in 11 games a rookie. They felt like Emmanuel Ogbah would be a great starter opposite him last season, but he apparently fell short of those expectations.

Due to that, the Browns added Olivier Vernon in a trade to play the other edge position. Vernon was paid a lot by the Giants but struggled as the primary pass rusher. Working alongside Garrett should be much better for him as he’s going to be a better No. 2 than the lead dog.

In the middle, there will be Sheldon Richardson joining Larry Ogunjobi. Richardson signed a big contract in the offseason after Cleveland struggled to stop the run. Not only will he help in that regard, but he’s been good against the pass as well. Ogunjobi had a huge season in 2018, developing into a good interior pass rusher. Entering his third season, even more is going to be expected of him.

As for the reserves, Chad Thomas will need to step up this season to help Chris Smith. Anthony Zettel played well and offers another defensive end off the bench, but he can also slide inside on third downs. Former starter Trevon Coley is a decent backup and Brian Price is a pure nose tackle but is an underrated option.

Home/Browns News