Cleveland Browns: 5 Remaining Free Agents targets heading into July
By Greg Newland
No. 3 – Geno Atkins, Defensive Tackle
At this point, it’s safe to say that defensive tackle is likely the weakest position on the Cleveland Browns roster. Truthfully, it’s not that weak, but so many other positions are completely loaded for the 2021 season.
Currently, it looks like Jordan Elliott and Andrew Billings will be the starters, with Malik Jackson and Tommy Togiai as the backups. An undrafted guy like Marvin Wilson could surprise a few people, but nothing looks imminent at this moment.
It’s not that the Browns lack depth at the position, they just lack one guy with elite talent. Elliott and Togiai are both young, Jackson is past his prime, and Billings appears to have come to camp out of shape after missing the 2020 season.
Another guy that is out of his prime but could still make an instant impact is Geno Atkins. After spending 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atkins is coming off an injury and his worst season as a pro.
That’s a concern, but remember, the Browns wouldn’t need him to play 80 percent of the defensive snaps. It could be a great fit where they get tremendous production on 50 percent of the defensive snaps, and then get the younger guys some experience.
Atkins still could be available because the price is too high, but if he remains on the market the Browns should consider it. I think he has more talent than a guy like Jackson and brings the same type of leadership to the locker room.