3 Surprise moves remaining for the Cleveland Browns

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Oct 10, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs the ball past Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (96) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns Surprise Move No. 2 – Releasing Jordan Elliott

If you have been reading my pieces lately, you’ll know that I’m just not sold yet on the roster at defensive tackle. I think they have five guys who could all be pretty good, but they also have five guys who could be duds.

I loved the addition of Taven Bryan, and the draft pick of Perrion Winfrey may be my favorite from Berry in 2022, but they still don’t have someone who can plug up the middle in a running situation.

All five guys including Jordan Elliott are what I would consider pass-rushing specialists and are below average stopping the run. I know the NFL game has turned into a passing frenzy, but how frustrating was it last year to watch the Cleveland Browns continuously get torched up the middle?

Similar to Schwartz, I think Elliott catches the short end of the stick when Berry brings in a veteran closer to the season. Bryan, Winfrey, Tommy Togiai, and Sheldon Day will all get their chance to prove they are capable starters. Still, Elliott will be replaced by a guy like Ndamukong Suh or Danny Shelton who are veteran presences on the field and in the locker room.

Personally, I’ve seen enough of Elliott to believe that he will never be better than a backup interior lineman, but there still is a chance in year three that he could make a big jump. Remember, Berry was active in trading around assets in the draft after giving up so much for Watson, so he may be highly motivated to collect a few more draft assets before 2023.

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