The 2020 Cleveland Browns defensive line sees all four starters returning with Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson, and Larry Ogunjobi. The defensive line was a strength in 2019 until things derailed with Vernon’s injuries and Garrett’s six-game suspension. This forced coaches to use role players and backups at the ends, and as a result, Cleveland’s defense suffered.
In 2020, the Browns added depth with Adrian Clayborn and Andrew Billings coming over. The Browns also drafted defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to add to the rotation. Returning from the previous season is Chad Thomas, who logged four sacks in 2019.
The rest of the defensive line is young, and others on the roster bounced around the league on practice squads. With the top eight positions among the four starters and four backups already set, it will be hard for the remaining prospective players to make an impact and earn a spot on the roster.
2020 Cleveland Browns Defensive Line
Projected Starters: Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi
All four players are productive, and Garrett leads the unit. After recording 10 sacks in the first 10 games of 2019, Garrett’s campaign will forever be known for his incident involving swinging a helmet at Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, which connected with Rudolph’s head. It resulted in Garrett’s suspension for the rest of the season.
After a Pro Bowl season in 2018, Vernon followed up with an injury-plagued campaign that limited him to just 10 games. Vernon hasn’t been completely healthy since 2016, so 2020 is a make or break season for him. However, he’s capable of being a playmaker when healthy.
Richardson is perhaps the most underrated player in the group. In 2019 he recorded 62 tackles, deflected four passes, and forced three fumbles. He’ll benefit even more from a healthy Vernon and a returning Garrett.
Ogunjobi is an oversized pass rusher. He’s recorded 11 sacks since 2018. However, he often lacks in stopping the run, which is one reason the Browns drafted Elliott and signed Billings.
Key Backups: Adrian Clayborn, Andrew Billings, Jordan Elliott, Chad Thomas
Clayborn is a role player who has reached the journeyman stage. He hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2013, but he’s serviceable in the rotation. As is Chad Thomas. While Thomas struggles when called upon to start, he’s a splash player when relegated to a rotational role. If Vernon and Garrett can stay on the field, Thomas will perform well.
Billings started 37 games since his rookie season in 2017. He won’t light up the stat sheet, but he’ll fill the gaps. It’s what the Browns struggled with in 2019 and his addition is valuable to a franchise in win-now mode. Elliott was a third-round pick from LSU. He amassed 68 tackles and 5.5 sacks in two seasons at LSU. He’ll factor into the rotation with Billings.
Fringe Prospects: Eli Ankou, Daniel Ekuale, Porter Justin, Trevon Young, Justin Zimmer
Eli Ankou signed with the Browns in 2019. He has 26 tackles and one and a half sacks in three seasons. Daniel Ekuale begins his third season in 2020 since signing on as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He has four career tackles. Porter Justin was first activated in late November 2019. He logged 13 tackles and a sack in limited action.
The Browns signed Trevon Young to the practice squad in December and on December 30th; they signed him to a futures/reserve contract. The Browns also signed Justin Zimmer in December 2019. He’s entering his fifth season and has five career tackles.
With the amount of depth already on the line, it’s likely most of the listed prospects here won’t be on the roster come September but a few might make it onto the practice squad. Other prospects in camp include undrafted free agents George Obinna and Jeffery Whatley.
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