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Cleveland Browns: 3 under the radar players in Week 4

By Casey Kinnamon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Andy Janovich #31 of the Cleveland Browns tries to escape the tackle of Kevin Pierre-Louis #54 of the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 34-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Andy Janovich #31 of the Cleveland Browns tries to escape the tackle of Kevin Pierre-Louis #54 of the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 34-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jordan Elliott

Although the Browns defense has been struggling as a unit, the defensive line has been playing well so far this season. Myles Garrett is always going to be the name at the top of the marquee when it comes to that position group but he is not the only one playing outstanding football. Porter Gustin has stepped up opposite of Garrett and both starting defensive tackles, Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, have both been playing lights out.

What has gone mostly unnoticed is how well rookie defensive tackle Jordan Elliott has been playing in limited snaps. Richardson and Ogunjobi have taken the lion share of reps, but when they do come off the field Elliott has ensured that there has been little to no drop off. Pro Football Focus has graded Elliott as the best rookie interior defensive lineman in the NFL and third highest rookie in the league regardless of position.

The Browns are going to need Elliott to step up this week in Dallas in a game that has a high likelihood of being a shootout. Through the first three games, Elliott has been playing just over 38 percent of the defensive snaps. The Cowboys are leading the NFL with just over 76 offensive snaps per game. That would put Elliott on the field for roughly 28 plays this Sunday. That percentage could increase, due to the need to give Richardson and Ogunjobi some needed rest on extended drives.

If Elliott is able to take advantage of the extra opportunities afforded to him this week, he should have a shot at making some plays that could impact the game and further gain the trust of this coaching staff.

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