Cleveland Browns 55-man roster prediction midway through training camp
By Randy Gurzi
Cleveland Browns Roster Prediction: Defensive Line (9)
The Cleveland Browns defensive line took a bit of a blow when they lost Andrew Billings who opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. A big space-eating nose tackle, Billings was a savvy signing by Andrew Berry but they still have some talent to get the job done.
Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, Olivier Vernon, Adrian Clayborn, Jordan Elliott, Chad Thomas, Ricky Walker, Porter Gustin
Replacing Billings in the middle will be Larry Ogunjobi, who actually manned the starting job opposite Sheldon Richardson last season. Returning these same two defensive tackles isn’t bad at all but they did want someone who as capable of slowing down the run game a bit more.
The real stars on this line though are on the edges. Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon are both capable of putting up double-digit sacks but the key will be keeping them both on the field for 16 games. If that happens, this can be a great D-line.
Of course, that wasn’t the case in 2019 so the Browns added some depth. They picked up Adrian Clayborn in free agency, giving them a player who can start if needed. Behind him is Chad Thomas but he’s being pushed by Porter Gustin who is having a great camp.
Rookie Jordan Elliott and second-year player Ricky Walker make it as the final two defensive tackles. Elliott was a third-round pick and has plenty of upside. Walker entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He also spent time in the XFL.