Cleveland Browns: 5 players with the most to prove in 2021 offseason
By Sam Penix
1. DT Jordan Elliott
The front office saw the Browns interior defensive line struggle all of last season and made it a priority to reshape the room. Gone are Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, and Vincent Taylor. Andrew Billings is back after opting out of 2020. Malik Jackson was signed as a free agent, and Tommy Togiai and Marvin Wilson were added on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The goal seems to be to have the ability to constantly rotate all of the DTs in and out throughout the game, keeping everyone fresh and matching up specific personnel with certain situations. There is a lot of talent in the group, and it remains to be seen how many will be kept on the active roster. Last season, it was just four, and given the versatility that Jadeveon Clowney provides, Cleveland could again roll with four DTs.
That means that Jordan Elliott has to earn his spot. A 2020 third-rounder, he played a rotational role as a rookie and had some nice moments, but was extremely inconsistent. It’s rare that a third-rounder’s roster spot is in jeopardy heading into his second season, but that’s how much of a makeover the entire Browns defense underwent.
dark. Next.
The Browns are going to have to make some difficult decisions over the next few seasons, and they need players at the bottom of the roster to step up and be better. If that doesn’t happen, those players will find themselves on other teams, not competing for the Super Bowl.