Defensive Ends
Absolute Locks:
Myles Garrett
Adrian Clayborn
More Than Likely Safe:
Olivier Vernon
Chad Thomas
50/50 Chance They’re In:
Porter Gustin
George Obinna
Possibly Practice Squad:
The first thing that jumps off of this list is that Adrian Clayborn is an absolute lock while Olivier Vernon isn’t. That’s because Adrian Clayborn recently signed a very team-friendly contract this offseason. Vernon could still be a player that gets traded away and restructures with a new team. Though this is very unlikely, and he is almost a lock to be the 2nd starting defensive end, there’s still a small chance.
Myles Garrett is clearly a lock, and the Browns should be expecting a huge season from him. Refs are going to target him, but he should be looking at possibly a 15+ sack season. He was on pace for it last year, before he was suspended.
Chad Thomas is clearly a guy that fans are polarized on. He took some big strides last season as a backup in the NFL. Don’t count out the former 3rd round pick yet. His spot on this roster is safer than you might think. He’s going to be a valuable rotation piece, especially since he could bump down inside and play a little three technique if needed.
The Browns are likely going to only keep five defensive ends on their roster. Porter Gustin and undrafted rookie George Obinna are going to be the ones fighting over that spot. Obinna holds the single-season and career sack records at his alma mater Sacramento State. Porter Gustin is a guy who played with the franchise last year, so he has the advantage here. However, if Obinna can translate just some of his production to the NFL, he’d be a steal for the Browns.
As of right now, I expect Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Adrian Clayborn, Chad Thomas, and George Obinna to be the Browns defensive ends opening week in 2020.