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3 Cleveland Browns who could take a step back in 2020

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 22: Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns rests during a stoppage in play in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 22: Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns rests during a stoppage in play in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a missed field goal by Stephen Hauschka #4 of the Buffalo Bills that would of tied the game with seconds left at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Larry Ogunjobi #65 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a missed field goal by Stephen Hauschka #4 of the Buffalo Bills that would of tied the game with seconds left at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Tackle

As a third-round pick in 2017, Larry Ogunjobi showed off some of his potential as he recorded 32 tackles and a sack in a reserve role. He then worked his way into the starting lineup in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite.

Larry O was able to harass opposing quarterbacks all season, recording 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He could have had even more as he spent the entire second week of the season on the hip of Drew Brees but he had more than one sack called back for a penalty away from the ball.

The problem was, he didn’t offer enough in the running game. For that reason, the Browns looked for another defensive tackle in free agency as they signed Sheldon Richardson to a big contract. The two played side by side and while Ogunjobi had another 5.5 sacks, it was easy to see Richardson was the more effective player.

And according to Pro Football Focus, it wasn’t close. Richardson was ranked 25th out of 115 defensive tackles whereas Ogunjobi was 95th. Richardson was superior in both the pass rush and run defense, even with Ogunjobi having more sacks on the season.

However, Richardson isn’t the reason Ogunjobi could see a decline in 2020, but instead Andrew Billings is. Labeled a big run-stuffing nose tackle, Billings came in as the 44th tackle last season and graded better in every area as well.

Ogunjobi should still get his chances, especially on third-downs which is when nose tackles often come off, but there’s a good chance this season he won’t be putting up the same numbers we’re used to seeing.

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