Why the Cleveland Browns should pursue a reunion with Emmanuel Ogbah

With uncertainty around Jadeveon Clowney let’s take a look at why the Cleveland Browns should consider brining back former draft pick Emmanuel Ogbah.

The Cleveland Browns at times had the depth of their edge rusher challenged in 2021 with Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley both missing time. Now with the reports that it is unlikely the Browns will retain Clowney they will have to start looking elsewhere for a running mate for Myles Garrett.

For these reasons, I believe that the Cleveland Browns should consider pursuing former second-round draft pick Emmanuel Ogbah. Ogbah was traded to the Chiefs after John Dorsey became GM and went on to flourish with the Miami Dolphins after signing with them in free agency.

Bringing Ogbah back might be a perfect match for the Browns as he can do a lot of the same things as Clowney. Clowney saw an uptick in production and statistics playing opposite Myles Garrett, and likely Ogbah would as well.

Let’s take a look at the numbers Ogbah has put up the past two seasons when he was the number one pass-rush option in Miami. All stats courtesy of pro football reference.

In 2021 Ogbah had 9 sacks, like Clowney, 15 hurries, 13 quarterback hits, and a total of 39 quarterback pressures. In 2020 he had 9 sacks as well, 14 hurries, 11 quarterback hits, and a total of 36 pressures. He did all of this without someone like Myles Garrett drawing attention on the other side.

Another stat from Ogbah that I think is really important is how few missed tackles he has had in the last two seasons. In 2021 he only missed three total tackles and the year before in 2020 he only missed 4, the Browns at times have struggled with missed tackles.

Ogbah is explosive off the line of scrimmage, his speed getting to the quarterback is top-notch, and often catches offensive lineman by surprise. But at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds his size also helps him make a major impact in the run game.

Ogbah is a well-rounded player that is coming off the best season of his career, he has continuously gotten better. Partnering him with Myles Garrett to draw attention away from Ogbah should only make his production go up. He would absolutely be a great signing in free agency for the Browns.

Explosive and strong makes him the absolute perfect partner for Garrett if the Browns indeed do not retain Clowney.