Browns Defensive Line Earns Top 5 Rating from PFF
A season ago, the Cleveland Browns had the top ranked defense in the league. Thanks in no small part to one of the best defensive lines in the league. All-Pro end and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett anchors a line that Pro Football Focus believes is top five in the NFL.
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates after the Jacksonville Jaguars were called for a penalty during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
“The Browns did the work to put help around Myles Garrett last offseason and will expect that group to cook again in 2024,” PFF writes. “Garrett rightfully won Defensive Player of the Year with a better supporting cast, and the likes of Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson were difference-makers to a defensive line that didn’t have nearly enough juice before they arrived.”
“Depth for this group is also solid,” PFF continued, “and their ceiling is even higher if some of the rotational young players can make an impact.”
The Browns added to that depth by drafting defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr out of Ohio State in the second round. Hall is expected to get plenty of playing time as a rookie for Cleveland. At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Hall can be an helpful inside presence.
As the Browns and general manager Andrew Berry continue to build this team year in and year out, this defense should remain one of the top units in the NFL. … with a Week 1 chance to start re-proving itself with a season opener at home against the Dallas Cowboys.