Cleveland Browns pick-a-player: Adding one free agent from each NFC East team
By Nick Swanson
New York Giants – Dalvin Tomlinson, DT
Continuing with the focus on improving the defense, and with Larry Ogunjobi potentially walking in free agency, the Browns should go after New York Giants interior defensive lineman, Dalvin Tomlinson.
Tomlinson, coming in at around 6-3 and 318 pounds, is a monster of a man and an absolute athletic freak for his size. Surprisingly quick off the line and a higher in-game speed than you would think, Tomlinson would fit perfectly on this Browns defensive line. He’s a good interior pass rusher and a decent run stuffer on the line. In 2020, he showed his ability to get a hand up and deflect passes at the line, which is something he hadn’t been known for previously. He’s used to playing in a rotation so the depth that Cleveland has in their locker room is exactly what he’s used to.
With the talent, or lack thereof, on the division rivals’ interior offensive line, Tomlinson’s pass rush ability would be able to easily exploit the line and reach the quarterback alongside Myles Garrett. Tomlinson just turned 27 years old, so he’s still got room to grow but has also been in the league long enough to give younger guys like Jordan Elliott some pointers.
Tomlinson was a large part of the improved play by the Giants defense as the season continued. He was continuously pestering opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks, making a real difference without filling up the stat sheet. Tomlinson might be the best bet to fill the hole and replace the production that is caused by Ogunjobi’s departure.