Cleveland Browns: Andrew Berry executive of the year?
By Josh Brown
Other key offseason signings/trades
Andy Janovich: In a move that most glossed over nationally, Berry traded for fullback Andy Janovich out of Denver. Cleveland fans and media thought the greatest trade since Odell Beckham came to town. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration, maybe. Getting a true fullback back in the fold was a big deal to the fans, especially. It has also been a huge help to the offense as Janovich has been the highest-rated fullback in the NFL. While he has only seen 137 snaps this season, Janovich has been the highest-graded pass blocker and second-highest-rated run blocker at the position.
Malcolm Smith: The Browns linebacking corp was already in question when Mack Wilson went down with a knee injury. Andrew Berry and defensive coordinator Joe Woods decided to bring in the veteran Smith to help alleviate the loss. While younger options were available, Smith knew the system from his 49ers days, and the Browns needed someone that could jump in quickly. Smith has done that and more this season.
In 416 snaps this season, Smith has provided a top ten coverage grade per PFF. While quarterbacks are completing 78.8 percent of passes sent his way, they have a quarterback rating of just 79.9. He has two passes defended along with an interception in coverage and has got to the quarterback for a sack. While his run-stuffing has been subpar overall, he has had three tackles for loss on the season. For a player that had played just 83 snaps in 2019, he has been a nice find for the Browns front office.
Ronnie Harrison:Harrison could be the steal of the year even if he is on injured reserve now. After LSU alumn and second-round pick Grant Delpit went down for the year with an ACL tear Andrew Berry had to find help.
Enter the Jaguars fire sale and the acquisition of former Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison for a 2021 fifth-round pick. Before heading to IR, Harrison took over the starting job from Karl Joseph and played at a high level for a secondary that needed it. Harrison had returned a pick for a touchdown and came close another time along with 6 passes defended. The hope is that Harrison will be back for the playoffs, but if not, having him and Delpit healthy in 2021 should be a big boost to the defense.
Adrian Clayborn: Andrew Berry is big on getting pressure on the quarterback, so adding a veteran pass rusher like Clayborn was a no-brainer. Clayborn has dealt with injuries and some inconsistency this year but has still provided 3.5 sacks in 11 games. He will continue to be counted on down the stretch and is capable of a big game at any moment.