3 Cleveland Browns starters that could be replaced by start of 2022 season
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns 2022 Starter replacement No. 2: Jordan Elliott, Defensive Tackle
Coming into year two, many expected Jordan Elliott to take the big leap and become the starting defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns. He did manage to have three starts last year, but he continued to struggle especially against the run.
I’m not sold that Elliott is slated to be a starter in 2022, but he is a guy who may need to start worrying about even making the roster. With Tommy Togiai showing some promise last season and bringing a guy like Sheldon Day back, the Browns may be close to closing this experiment.
As if there aren’t enough question marks already, Elliott also is dealing with a knee injury that could make it difficult for him to return before the start of training camp. He will need as many reps as possible to keep him in the mix as a starter.
The 2022 draft class isn’t extremely deep at defensive tackle, but it’s fairly top-heavy with four or five guys who could be instant starters in the NFL. I think Andrew Berry wants to draft a wide receiver at pick No. 44, but if the right defensive tackle would be available, I think he would have to jump at the opportunity.
Elliott is a guy I wouldn’t be shocked if he started every single game in 2022, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t even make the opening day roster.