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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) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 17: Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 17: Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Olivier Vernon – Eighth year defensive end

Olivier Vernon was one of the faces last year brought in, which added on to the Browns hype train. Vernon was going to be the second punch to Garrett and make them one of the best defensive end duos in the league. The former 2018 Pro Bowler was an excellent addition to the team. When he’s on the field, he makes an impact with his pass-rushing. The only problem is that he needs to be on the field more.

Coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2018, the expectation for him was to get similar numbers to that season. Unfortunately for Vernon and the Browns, that did not end up happening. He played in 10 games due to injury and for someone who was known for being a pass rusher, he only had 3.5 sacks on the season. Pair that with only 26 tackles and four tackles for loss with a 23.5 percent missed tackle rate, you have yourself a bad year.

Comparing those stats from his 2018 campaign, he played in 11 games and had seven sacks, 20 tackles, along with 21 quarterback hits in 2018 compared to his 11 quarterback hits in 2019. In his career, he has 54.5 sacks, 75 tackles for loss, and 353 tackles.

In retrospect, 2019 was the worst season of his career stat-wise and played the lowest amount of games in a season in his career thus far. He hasn’t played a full season as well in his past three season.

It’s unknown what this new coaching staff and regime want to do with Vernon, they can keep him on and hope he stays healthy to contribute or they can cut him and save $15.25 million in cap space. Granted the Browns do not need more cap space, but they could use that money elsewhere if they decide to go another direction. When Vernon plays he is a phenomenal pass rusher. Hopefully this season Browns fans will be able to see him on full display.

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