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3 upgraded positions for the Cleveland Browns who could face cuts in 2020

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Jimmy and Dee Haslam owners of the Cleveland Browns pose for a photo with Kevin Stefanski after introducing Stefanski as the Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 14: Jimmy and Dee Haslam owners of the Cleveland Browns pose for a photo with Kevin Stefanski after introducing Stefanski as the Browns new head coach on January 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive End Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a fumble in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive End Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a fumble in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Two of my favorite free agent signings this offseason were Clayborn and Billings on the defensive line. Both were signed at below market value and will bring substantial value to the team in 2020. At one point last season, Vernon and Myles Garrett both missed consecutive games together and the pass rush was nonexistent.

Clayborn will bring pass-rushing depth behind Vernon and Garrett next season. He won’t be an every-down player, but when the starters need a break, Clayborn can put the heat on opposing quarterbacks for 10 to 15 snaps per game.

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Billings is a massive body who will help plug up the middle. Stopping the run was a struggle last season, as Larry Ogunjobi has become known as a better pass rusher than run stopper at defensive tackle. Billings is strong as a bull and will be welcomed depth at defensive tackle, especially on early downs. Sheldon Richardson, Ogunjobi, and Billings will be a dynamic front that can get after the quarterback and stop the run when needed.

With this additional talent at defensive end and tackle, Eli Ankou and Chad Thomas will be stretched to make the 2020 roster after seeing the field a fair amount in 2019. Ankou is a defensive tackle from UCLA who started his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was forced into action last year when Richardson was asked to move to defensive end with the suspension of Garrett and injury to Vernon. Ankou was a high motor guy, but lacks some of the physical tools to be an effective NFL defensive tackle.

Thomas was a third-round pick by the Browns in 2018 and was supposed to be the reasoning behind trading Genard Avery. In 16 games last season, Thomas did have four sacks, but he didn’t live up to expectations and struggled to set the edge on run plays. Fans were extremely disappointed to see Avery leave the organization, which has proven to be a mistake.

Thomas and Ankou will likely get other opportunities in the NFL next season, but look for Andrew Berry to move on from the duo for the 2020 season. The Browns needed to upgrade the defensive line to compete in the AFC North, specifically the Baltimore Ravens. On paper, the Browns should be much more equipped to stop the run in 2020.

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