Hello again Cleveland! We took a short little break there to let the offense sink in, but now we are back at it and talking all things Browns! Today we're going to break into the position breakdowns of the defense. We'll start with the DLine, then go to Linebackers, then finally, Defensive Backs. This is gearing up to be the best defense the Browns have had since 1999. That's 16 years! Let's jump right into it!
DT Danny "Feast Mode" Shelton 6'2 339 Rookie Washington Twitter: @Danny_Shelton55
Danny Shelton is a very large man. He was drafted in the first round pick #12 in this years draft. Shelton bends well for a big man and has ability to play with leverage. Space-eater who is able to maintain good positioning against double teams. Consistently gets his hands inside offensive linemen first. Has the strength and athleticism to dominate in the running game. Above average interior pass rusher.
DT Phil Taylor 6'3 335 5th Year Baylor Twitter: @PhilTaylor98
Taylor provides another very large body up the middle for the Browns. Taylor has impressive strength, and good speed considering his weight. Very effective anchor at the point of the attack against the run and can take on the double team. Can be effective using the bull rush. Has learned a very good swim move over the last couple years also which he will use to his advantage. Explosive off the line.
LE Desmond Bryant 6'6 310 7th Year Harvard Twitter: @DBryant92
Bryant possesses an explosive first step. He uses his hands well and has great technique to beat offensive lineman. Has that good mix of power and athleticism to become almost unblockable. Mixes up his rush moves. Plays with a high motor, and has the weapons of a strong bull rush and quick swim move to get to the quarterback.
RE Randy Starks 6'4 305 12th Year Maryland Twitter: @Starks94
Starks was brought in this year to play RE and be the veteran of the line. He will show the youngsters the poise and determination to thrive in the NFL. 2 time Pro Bowler, Starks is a superior pass rusher. Possesses a big body frame to plug up holes for the run. Gets off the snap with a terrific first step, stays low to the ground and plays with leverage. Works his hands well to use his arsenal of moves to get around offensive lineman.
RE Billy Winn 6'4 300 4th Year Boise St. Twitter: @Billy_Boi_90
Winn is a young, athletic, fierce defensive lineman. He is still getting adjusted to the NFL, but signs are showing he should break out soon. Starks was brought in to teach and develop Winn to become the star he is capable of being. Winn gets off the ball and into offensive linemen quickly. He is strong with his hands and can hold up blocks to read a play and shed them to get free and get to the ball carrier. He is able to use his hands well to disengage and shed would-be blockers away from his frame. Once he reaches the ball-carrier, he is an effective tackler. Overall, Winn is an active interior defender who can keep off blocks and stay active in the pass and run.
LE Xavier Cooper 6'3 293 Rookie Washington St. Twitter: @XavierCooper_96
Cooper was selected in the 3rd round with the 96th pick in this years draft. Cooper has quick, lateral footwork. Active hands create separation from blockers against the run and help him gain advantage as pass rusher. Times snap well and fires off the ball. Can transition fluidly from playing the run to rushing passer against play-action.
There's your DLine standouts Browns fans! This is a very large athletic line which should plug the holes vs the run, and be adequate at getting to QB's in the pass rush! They will take alot of pressure off of the linebacker core, and allow them to drop back into coverage more! Stay tuned for the next segment of position breakdown: Linebackers
Well, we took a little break Browns fans, but with the season rapidly approaching, let's jump right back into it and show you what you can expect out of this linebacking crew!
MLB Karlos Dansby 6'3 251 12th Year Auburn Twitter: @Karlosdansby56
Dansby is the leader of the front 7. He is the most experienced and is a smart player. Can read offenses better than anyone. Great at stuffing the run. Quick hands. Uses quick hands to get into the backfield. Has a nose for the quarterback. Will drop back into coverage. Defensive field general. Uses smarts to call audibles on defense. Young players look up to him. Considered one of the top tier LB's in the NFL.
Craig Robertson 6'1 234 4th Year North Texas Twitter: @C__Robertson
Ability to cover speedy backs and receivers. Effective at plugging holes. Quick feet. Smart player. Will drop back and cover in zone defenses.
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