Examining Cleveland's defensive depth chart
The Cleveland Browns used the NFL Draft to bolster the defensive side of the ball. Browns247 examines how the depth chart was affected this off-season.
DE - Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Nassib, Nate Orchard, Karter Schult
The Browns have a solid defensive end rotation with Ogbah, Nassib and Myles Garrett. Will one of the inexperienced youngsters overtake Tyrone Holmes for the final spot on the roster? Orchard is potentially moving to defensive end. Schult created a lot of production last season as a college player.
DT - Danny Shelton, Larry Ogunjobi, Jamie Meder, Trevon Coley
Shelton really stepped up last season. Although he's changing to a 4-3 scheme, he will still be an asset to Gregg Williams' defense. Despite his size, he is good at applying pressure to the pocket. The other starting role and depth is much more up for grabs. Ogunjobi is a promising draft choice while others were probably better suited for the team's former 3-4 defensive scheme.
DT - Desmond Bryant, Caleb Brantley, Xavier Cooper,*Nile Lawrence-Stample
Bryant was a veteran presence for head coach Hue Jackson last season despite not playing. As he looks around the locker room this fall, he will notice that the team lacks a lot of players over the age of 30. If he does not produce, he could be next on the chopping block. It's an important off-season for Cooper, who has not shown much since his inaugural preseason. Will Brantley be on the roster come training camp? If so, he will make an impact.
DE - Myles Garrett, Tyrone Holmes, Jamal Marcus
Garrett provides the pass-rushing threat that Cleveland has lacked for years. Will his teammates do enough to give him the advantage of working one-on-one?
SLB - Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, Cam Johnson, James Burgess, Ladell Fleming
Collins and Kirksey give the team a solid tandem of linebackers. In Gregg Williams' scheme, the Browns will use an additional defensive back over a third linebacker. Who will assume that role? There's a lump of options including Schobert, Johnson and Orchard.
MLB - Demario Davis, Dominique Alexander, Tank Carder
Kirksey is better suited to play in a 4-3, which should delight Browns fans. He was already a top-3 tackler in the NFL last season. Alexander should see his role expand. Davis is in danger of losing his roster spot.
WLB - Christian Kirksey,*Kenneth Olugbode, BJ Bello
Orchard gets the early nod for the remaining linebacker opening. He has a lot of athleticism that will be coveted. Cleveland will likely look to get another player that's not a liability in coverage on the field as Collins is not the best in that scenario.
CB - Joe Haden, Jason McCourty, Marcus Burley, Trey Caldwell, Alvin Hill, Darius Hillary
Haden can still be a contributor if he's healthy. However, that is questionable after the past two seasons. Wilson is a youngster with a lot of upside. In short, there is not much experience beyond Haden. It will likely be a big position of need moving forward.
CB - Jamar Taylor, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Channing Stribling, JD Harmon
Taylor improved after the Browns took a chance on him in a trade last off-season. They need him to pay off after signing him to a contract extension. Boddy-Calhoun also had an intriguing rookie campaign. Stribling will likely make the roster as an undrafted free agent.
FS - Ed Reynolds II, Tyvis Powell, Ibraheim Campbell, Kai Nacua
The Browns tried to add Tony Jefferson in the off-season but it was not in the cards. As a result, the job likely still belongs to Reynolds. However, Powell, Campbell and Derrick Kindred could factor into the discussion.
SS - Jabrill Peppers, Derrick Kindred, Justin Currie
Peppers was taken in the first round for a reason. He's an ideal fit for what Williams tries to do on defense. His presence in the box and return ability will pay huge dividends. Few players on the roster have as much talent as Peppers.
