3 bold predictions for the Cleveland Browns 2020 defense
By Greg Newland
Grant Delpit will shine in the Browns 4-2-5 defense
IF rookie Grant Delpit from LSU was truly held back because of an injury last season, the Browns may have gotten the biggest steal of the draft. Had Delpit been eligible for the draft following the 2018 season, he likely would have been a top-15 pick in the 2019 draft.
Delpit was a part of winning the National Championship during his junior season, but he reportedly played much of the year with a high ankle sprain. With Delpit not willing to sit out games, his production was down with limited mobility, and he saw his draft stock slide as well.
With the injury, Delpit slid all the way to pick No. 44 in the 2020 NFL draft. Why is their reason to be optimistic? When Delpit did have a chance to rest before the College Football Playoff, he looked to be his old self and was a major reason for the Tigers defeating Clemson in the National Title game.
Missed tackles and coverage skills looked to regress in 2019 compared to 2018, but with time to heal before his final two games, Delpit still proved he was a top safety. Luckily for the Browns, depth at the position in the draft and worries of performance last season allowed him to fall.
In Joe Woods’ dime defense, Delpit will be able to roam around where he thrives. Covering tight ends and setting the edge on run plays will be a crucial part of the safety roll in Cleveland, which Delpit will do magnificently.
While Delpit will likely be in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year, it will likely go to a pass rusher like Chase Young. Delpit will be a huge piece of the Browns defense and their success, but voters will lean towards sacks.