Cleveland Browns waive Devaroe Lawrence as positional depth impresses
By Dan Justik
Devaroe Lawrence was expected to be a solid rotational player for the Cleveland Browns, but as other depth players impress, Lawrence was waived Tuesday.
The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday they waived defensive tackle Devaroe Lawrence. The move was made as defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was coming off his one-game suspension for his actions in the brawl against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lawrence has started the past two games for the Browns. However, he failed to make a consistent impact in those two starts, making only one combined tackle. On the season, Lawrence has made only eight total tackles, including two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
After a strong preseason, Lawrence was expected to provide the Browns good rotational depth at defensive tackle. He showed a knack for creating quick penetration in the backfield to make several tackles for loss or sacks. However, he was unable to convert the success in the preseason into making an impact during the regular season.
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Playing 30.08 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps this season, Lawrence’s lack of impact in the middle of the defensive line justifies this move. Not only was he not making the explosive plays he made during the preseason, but he was not making the fundamental plays the Browns needed him to make.
With the decision to waive Lawrence, the Browns depth at defensive tackle behind Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson are now Eli Ankou and Brandin Bryant. Both played some snaps against the Dolphins, but neither registered a tackle. However, the Browns must have been more impressed with their play on the depleted defensive line compared to what Lawrence was providing.
The Browns also rotated Porter Gustin in at three-technique against Miami, and his play was surprisingly solid. He was able to generate some pressure on his own and even recorded the first sack of his career.
Cleveland will likely continue to rotate their defensive linemen up and down the formation, but Ankou and Bryant appear to be the most likely to have an increased presence for the group. They may not have the same fanfare as Lawrence, but the coaching staff must feel they will perform more than Lawrence was.
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It may be viewed as a surprising news because of Lawrence’s occasional splash plays. But with the team needing a consistent performer in the middle of the defense, moving on from Lawrence was the move to make for the Cleveland Browns.