2013 Cleveland Browns-the Defense

The Cleveland Browns defense received notice for being improved under Ray Horton and in the early season,there was a air of legitimacy to that notice.
As fall turned colder and more data came in on the group,it became easy to see that optimism was disappointing and the unit had not improved at all.
Here are our thoughts on the unit.

Defensive Line:
Going into the season,this appeared to be the strength of the defense as far as talent went,but much of that talent seemed better suited to a 4-3 defense,not the 3-4 installed by Rob Chudzinski and Ray Horton.
There were some occasional strong games,but the above assumption turned out to be true.
Ahtyba Rubin's production dipped a little and Phil Taylor was not the consistent run stuffer that he was as a 4-3 defensive tackle.
Desmond Bryant was playing before being injured and Billy Winn was showing signs before he began to get nicked up.
John Hughes seems more suited to playing the gap in the 4-3,but late round pick Armonty Bryant had his moments as a pass rusher and might have potential as a DT pass rusher..

Grade: C+

Linebackers
D'Qwell Jackson once again led the team in tackles,but once again showed his lack of playmaking skills.
Jackson is a player that makes tackles downfield,but rarely makes them behind the line.
Jackson carries a hefty contract number for 2014 and I would not be surprised to see the Browns let him test the market.
Craig Robertson struggled in pass coverage and the Browns will likely look to replace him.
On the outside,lots of money was paid to bring Paul Kruger from Baltimore and he proved to be OK.
Not worth the money that he was paid with just 4.5 sacks,but not a liability either.
Barkevious Mingo missed camp with a lung injury and showed ability on the pass rush especially early in the season,but faded badly down the stretch.
Mingo should improve with a full camp.but my concern is where does he fit,if the new system is a 4-3?
Jabaal Sheard had an injury plagued season in his first year as a standup backer,but played well when healthy.
We do know what Sheard can do if a 4-3 return arises-back to end.
Various others played at times,with Quentin Groves being the biggest loss early in the year due to injury.
Grade: C

Defensive Backs
Joe Haden made his first pro bowl and had a terrific year for the most part although he was beaten for the occasional big play.
Haden has matured into one of the top corners in the game.
Buster Skrine improved dramatically on the other side and unless the Browns add a top notch corner,should be back as the starter.
The safeties were above average with T.J. Ward delivering a huge year in his contract season and Tashaun Gipson might not be a playmaker,but has become a solid player.
Leon McFadden was disappointing in his first season after being a third round pick,but Jordan Poyer was impressive after being signed from the Eagles.

Grade:B+

Sometime soon,I'll take a look at the special teams,coaching and front office