4 Reasons Cleveland Browns will have a top-five Defense in 2021
By Greg Newland
![Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) participates in drills during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Berea, Ohio. [Jeff Lange / Akron Beacon Journal]Browns 5](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F16263266-850x560-ce41b2e00feb68aa8c439c46da8e771c54f5dbc9e29f5e23c986fdb6d9877e93.jpg "Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) participates in drills during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Berea, Ohio. [Jeff Lange / Akron Beacon Journal]Browns 5")
No. 3 – Draft Focus
Because of the defensive struggles last season, general manager Andrew Berry focused heavily on the defense in the draft this year. In fact, five of their first seven picks were on the defensive side of the ball, and three of those guys can contribute immediately.
In the first round, the Browns went with a cornerback from Northwestern, Greg Newsome. This is a guy who is physical and has the speed to run with everyone in the NFL. Those who watched the Big Ten Championship game this year will remember him making a lot of plays vs. the Buckeyes.
In round two, Berry was able to steal a linebacker from Notre Dame, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK). Although slightly undersized as a linebacker, he has the physical traits to play in the middle of an NFL defense, and the athleticism to run with running backs and tight ends in coverage. JOK is the perfect fit for the 4-2-5 defense and will be all over the field in 2021.
The last guy from the 2021 draft who could see the field next year is fourth-round pick, Tommy Togiai, a defensive tackle from Ohio State. This is a massive human who has the ability to be great against the run but can also collapse a pocket in passing situations. Togiai will have his work cut out for him but could find himself some playing time.
The Browns also added another athletic linebacker in Tony Fields, and safety, Richard LeCounte. Both are more of project players, but in positions that the Browns need depth at.
So not only did Berry add veteran talent to the defense in free agency, he is continuing to add young talent via the draft. Getting three guys that can produce as rookies on a talented team is a huge win for the Cleveland Browns.