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Why the Cleveland Browns Defense can be ELITE in 2021

By Noah Weiskopf

BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Sione Takitaki #44 and Jacob Phillips #50 of the Cleveland Browns huddle with other members of the defense during training camp on August 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Sione Takitaki #44 and Jacob Phillips #50 of the Cleveland Browns huddle with other members of the defense during training camp on August 16, 2020 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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BEREA, OH – JULY 31: Cornerback Greg Newsome II #20 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 31, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns defense has the tools, depth and swagger necessary to become one of the leagues most improved and destructive defenses in 2021

This offseason, it was clear that Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry’s number one priority was to stack the defense. It would be an understatement to say that Berry did just that.

In free agency, Berry brought in many players, highlighted by safety John Johnson, defensive back Troy Hill, linebacker Anthony Walker, and defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley.

In the 2021 NFL Draft, Berry then continued the trend and brought in more defensive players including Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome and Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah (JOK).

CBS Sports has already ranked the Cleveland Browns defense as best in the AFC, and third-best in the NFL heading into this season.

"“They should be the most improved defense in the league. John Johnson III might have been the best free-agent signing of the offseason, a perfect match of skill set and team need. He’ll diversify the team’s coverages with his ability to play center field and rotate into two-high looks, and to make plays on the ball. Cleveland also added both Troy Hill (in free agency) and Greg Newsome II (in the draft) to Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams at corner, plus they have Grant Delpit coming back from injury and Ronnie Harrison for a full season. They signed Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley to supplement Myles Garrett on the edge, and brought in Malik Jackson and Tommy Togiai to work with Jordan Elliott and Andrew Billings up the middle. Throw in linebacker Anthony Walker and jack-of-all-trades Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and this might be the most versatile group in the NFL.” – Jared Dubin, CBS Sports"

Let’s dive in and look at why this defense can be elite in 2021.

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