Cleveland Browns bye week report cards: Defensive line

Jordan Elliott – B

A third-round pick out of Missouri, Jordan Elliott was ranked as one of Pro Football Focus’s top 25 players in the 2020 NFL Draft following a terrific 2019 season. While he’s had his share of rookie struggles, Elliott has done a fine job in limited opportunities. In another questionable coaching decision by Joe Woods, Elliott has rushed the passer just 20 times over the past four games after doing it 75 times over his first four outings.

Elliott seems like he’s in line to start at 3-tech next season with Andrew Billings at 1-tech, although the Browns will almost certainly invest in at least two other starting-caliber DTs, either in free agency, the draft, or both. He may not be producing at a high level right now, but from watching him, you can tell he’s going to become a good player against both the run and the pass.

Vincent Taylor – C

Vincent Taylor had a solid first three NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, so when the Browns claimed him off waivers, it was fair to expect him to play reasonably well in a rotational role, but that’s not what has happened. Taylor is the only true 1-tech on the active roster, but he’s been almost non-existent against the run. He typically shares the field with Elliott, which has not helped the rookie’s performance. Cleveland doesn’t have a better option at DT4 than Taylor, but that will change next season when he’s not on the team.

Outside of Myles Garrett and, to a degree, Jordan Elliott, the Browns defensive line has been a massive disappointment this season. For a defense that wants to be built around its DL play, Cleveland has plenty of work to do over the offseason.