Cleveland Browns putting emphasis on run defense with Andrew Billings signing

The Cleveland Browns had issues stopping the run in 2019, but the addition of Andrew Billings should limit those issues in 2020.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has been focusing on the defensive side of the ball since the new league year started on Wednesday. After signing two defenders on Wednesday, the trend continued as the team agreed to terms with Andrew Billings, according to his representatives. It will be a one-year deal, with $3.5 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The 24-year-old defensive tackle was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Bengals and has been a key player in Cincinnati. He has only missed one game in three-year career has started 30 games the last two seasons.

In 2019, Billings played in all 16 games, including 14 starts, and made 35 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and four quarterback hits. Billings played 61 percent of Cincinnati’s defensive snaps in 2019, the most in his career.

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Billings is not going to make the flashy plays along the defensive line, but he is a force on the line of scrimmage and is an effective gap stuffer. At 6-foot-0 and 310 pounds and primarily playing as the one-tech on the defensive line, Billings uses his size to plug gaps and limit rushing lanes for opposing running backs.

Although defensive line was supposed to be the strength of the Cleveland Browns in 2019, the group had major issues stopping the run. The Browns finished with the third-worst rush defense in the league, allowing 144.7 rushing yards per game and an average of 5.0 yards per carry.

With Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson up the middle, the Browns were hoping the two defensive tackles would be play-makers in the interior of the line. However, neither Ogunjobi nor Richardson are strong at taking on multiple blockers, which was evident last season.

Since neither tackle could effectively plug gaps, it allowed blockers to work to the second level of the defense, creating plenty of running room for rushers. The addition of Billings will help put Ogunjobi and Richardson in roles they have a better chance of success in.

A rotation of Billings, Ogunjobi and Richardson should provide the Browns a good rotation of tackles who can impact the game. With Billings being used as a run stuffer up the middle on rushing downs, it will help keep Ogunjobi and Richardson fresh to rush the passer.

Adding Billings will give the Browns solid depth up the middle of their defensive line. But the move also signals that the front office knew they needed to improve their run defense in 2020, and Billings will play a big role in doing so.