All TD projections • Current TD rankings • All CLE projections • CLE team report
Cleveland Browns Team Defense
| Outlook • Latest News |
2008 Projection
| TD | FF | FR | INT | Sack | Safety | YdAllowed | PtAllowed | FPT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Dodds | 2 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 29 | 0 | 5405 | 343 | 68.4 |
| Chris Smith | 3 | 15 | 9 | 15 | 33 | 1 | 5282 | 365 | 80.2 |
Positives
The Browns continue the evolution to the 3-4 scheme that Romeo Crennel brought with him from New England. On paper they finally have the right kind of players in place across the board and should be ready to produce in '07. Most of this year's significant additions came via free agency where Cleveland landed Robair Smith to play DE, Kenny Wright who could start at corner, Antwan Peek who could be the heir to the OLB position currently occupied by Willie McGinest, Shaun Smith who will spell and could eventually replace Ted Washington at NT and Mike Adams who should settle in as the top backup at both safety positions. In the second round of the draft they added corner Eric Wright who should claim the nickel corner role for the up coming season. This club has assembled a good group of talent. Now all they need is to build some chemistry.
Negatives
The Browns defensive talent has improved but they have a long way to go to earn some respect. This is a unit that has struggled to achieve a pass rush. In '05 they finished dead last with only 25 sacks. Last season they showed a little improvement yet still landed in the bottom five with a total of only 28. While their 27 takeaways was respectable, Cleveland ranked 29th against the run, 27th in total yards allowed and 22nd in points. The OLB position is key to the success of any 3-4 scheme. Last year's first round pick Kamerion Wimbley piled up 11.5 sacks as a rookie but Willie McGinest will be 36 this season and may be running out of gas. In '06 McGinest posted the lowest sack total of his career for a full season. For the second straight year Cleveland could have as many as 4 new starters when camp breaks. It's hard to build chemistry without continuity.
Outlook
The Cleveland defense appears headed in the right direction but they have not yet arrived. There is still a lot of work to be done and much room for improvement. At best this unit might be considered as a backup in large leagues. Pass on them when draft day comes but keep an eye on their progress as the season unfolds. They could come a long way by November.
