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3 Most pleasant Cleveland Browns surprises through two weeks

By Greg Newland

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns prepares to call for the snap against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns prepares to call for the snap against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Defensive lineman Jordan Elliott of Missouri runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Elliott steps up when needed most

Coming into 2020 not many expected rookie Jordan Elliott to see much time on the field. Not that the third-round pick was talented enough, but the Browns were loaded at defensive tackle. However, after Andrew Billings opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 a door was opened for Elliott.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound defensive tackle was a known run-stopper at the University of Missouri, but early in his NFL career, he has shown the ability to rush the passer. Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson are still getting most of the snaps, but in 60 plays this season Elliott has been the top-rated rookie defensive tackle by pro football focus.

For the last 20 years stopping the run has been the Browns kryptonite, so Elliott is welcomed with open arms by fans. While there was thought the 2020 season would be too soon for Elliott to shine, he has proven doubter wrong thus far. This keeps the Browns much more flexible with the salary cap situation moving forward.

While it’s good and bad, both Ogunjobi and Richardson are having tremendous seasons. Great for the Browns now but will make it extremely tough to lock up long-term. With Elliott showing he can be an every-down player, the Browns can be strategic at the position and spend money elsewhere on the defense (linebacker please).

Don’t get me wrong, Elliott isn’t going to be a pro-bowler, but for a guy you weren’t sure would be ready to play in 2020, he has been a tremendous surprise. Look for him to continue to improve and be a major strength of the run defense by the end of the season.

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