Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

An analytical look at the Cleveland Browns defensive line

By Jarrett Griebeler

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Myles Garrett #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks over the offense during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Myles Garrett #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks over the offense during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons runs onto the field for the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Adrian Clayborn #99 of the Atlanta Falcons runs onto the field for the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Adrian Clayborn – 10th year defensive end

Adrian Clayborn can be considered the old man in this position group. He has plenty of experience under his belt as the Browns will be his fourth team entering his 10th season. He brings a lot of knowledge with him after being in so many systems, but he finally finds a scheme that fits him in the 4-3 with Woods.

Clayborn was with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019 and played about 42 percent of their defensive snaps despite only starting one game. He added four sacks, 18 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles to his career resume.

He has always shown the ability to rush the passer, as he averages about four sacks and 11 quarterback hits per season. He’s not much of a tackler though, as he only averages about 22 tackles a year. In addition, his missed tackle rate over the past two seasons isn’t impressive either.

In 2019 he missed 13.3 percent of his attempts. However in over 14 games played in 2018, he missed 21.4 percent of tackle attempts with the Patriots while playing 31 percent of their defensive snaps.

Clayborn adds some nice depth and versatility to this position group. He brings over his experience to the younger players on this team, as well as some professionalism. He may not be the flashiest rusher, but at times he does get the job done.

As he enters his 10th year, his prime may be behind him, so at this point he can probably be a nice rotation piece/backup to those ahead of him. Ultimately, Clayborn can be a consistent rotation player that gives a nice change of pace with his rush style on opposing offensive linemen.

Home/Browns News