Last season, it seemed to be on the brink of mediocrity, but the Cleveland Browns defense is set for a resurgence in 2021. A few key players had carried the unit, and as individuals, ranked highly in the league. Andrew Berry and the front office went to work in the offseason and draft, clearing space for an impressive veteran and rookies full of potential. Some analysts like Mike Clay of ESPN even feel that Cleveland’s defense is the most improved unit in the NFL.
The Browns Defense Is Set For A Major Resurgence
While Browns offense went from strength to strength in 2020, Cleveland’s defense was ranked 25th in Football Outsiders DVOA. They were just average in forced turnovers, sacks, yardage allowed and points allowed last season. Only two players made a big impact in terms of defensive snaps. And after front office did a deep clean, only those two remained: Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. Both stars; both big contributors to the defensive achievements of the franchise.
Garrett And Clowney Will Be A Sufficient Threat
Garrett has led and continues to lead the Browns edge rushing group. The 2020 first-team All-Pro defensive end accumulated double-digit sacks in each of the past three seasons. He was third-best among edge rushers in 2020 with a pass rush win rate of 25.7%.
Jadeveon Clowney was chosen to be Garrett’s running mate. A former first round pick, Clowney didn’t have any sacks in 2020. But remember, he was ranked top five in 2018 and 2019. Even while injured in 2020, he had an 18.4% pass rush win rate. That was 17th out of 81 edge rushers who surpassed 200 pass-rushing attempts that season. He also missed nine games.
With Garrett and Clowney paired together, we can expect to see fewer double-teams on the opposition. It will also prepare Takkarist McKinley for more pressure and sacks. Missing most of last season, he has had a 24.0% pass rush win rate since he debuted in 2017. That’s fifth best among edge rushers.
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The Overhauled Secondary Can Be Elite
Cleveland’s secondary underwent a major overhaul. Ward is now one of the NFL’s leading corners. Adding to his skill is Troy Hill, who in 2020 made big moves on 95% of snaps while on the Los Angeles Rams exceptional defense. Hill is best in nickel, kicking to the slot. That will give Greedy Williams a chance to step up as third corner after missing 2020 with an injury. First-rounder Greg Newsome II may have a chance to gain valuable experience too.
Yet another highly-sought-after Rams player is expected to make a big impact in Cleveland. John Johnson III was PFF’s third-ranked safety in 2020 and an absolute steal for the Browns. Playing 1,116 snaps last season means the 25-year-old comes with more experience than one could hope for. Grant Delpit will return from an Achilles injury, and will have the chance to live up to his potential.
Three-Safety Sets May Help In Weaker Areas
The interior defensive line needs some work, and there isn’t really an off-ball linebacker. Sheldon Day, Malik Jackson and Andrew Billings are there, and rookies Tommy Togiai and Jordan Elliot may produce in some capacity.
At linebacker, Sione Takitaki, Malcolm Smith, Mack Wilson and Jacob Phillips will compete. But there is also Anthony Walker and rookies Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Tony Fields II. While questions remain, the Browns are big on three-safety sets, meaning only two of these players need to stand out.
The Browns are improved and strong where it matters most now. Edge and secondary have undergone significant upgrades. Cleveland may have a top 10 defense, but only time will tell.
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