Monday, May 5, 2014

Cleveland Browns defensive needs

We move to the defensive side of the football for the Cleveland Browns needs and these have their share of upgrading as well...

Along the defensive line,the Browns look pretty solid. Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor are strong up the middle with a hopefully healthy Desmond Bryant to give three solid starters.
I have always liked Billy Wynn and second year man Armonty Bryant had flashes of strong play last year.
I don't see the Browns taking a player here unless it's a late round "best player on the board" scenario.

Wish I could say the same at linebacker where inside backer is a glaring need.
Karlos Dansby is a standout from free agency,but Craig Robertson is better suited for special teams after being just terrible in pass coverage.
The Browns must upgrade the inside spot either in this draft or late in free agency.
Cleveland is spending a lot of money on outside linebackers to be dominant to be just average.
Paul Kruger is getting big bucks to be average, Jabaal Sheard was OK in his first year as an OLB,but I still think he is better suited to be an 4-3 defensive end.
2013 first rounder Barkevious Mingo was occasionally dominant coming off the ball,but beyond the initial rush,Mingo was pushed off the line once there was film on him.
Mingo gets a small pass from me after missing much of camp with a bruised lung,but has to be a question mark.
Unless the Browns love someone (Khalil Mack,anyone?),I think there is already too much money in the returning outside players to spend more on this position..

Joe Haden is one of the better corners in the game,but I've said for quite a while that Buster Skrine is better suited to cover the slot receiver than a second cornerback slot.
Leon McFadden was a disappointment after being picked in the third round and free agent signee Isaiah Trufant is more a special team type that might play dime formations at best.
I would love to see this addressed early on day two.
Donte Whitner will replace T.J. Ward with ease and Tashaun Gipson should improve with Whitner's increased range beside him.
I wouldn't mind a later rounder or free agent player signed to battle Jordan Poyer,who I liked in limited action,and 2013 draftee Jamoris Slaughter for depth.

The punting competition is wide open,but I wouldn't go after a punter in the draft.
Too easy to find....

Top Defensive needs in order

1:Inside linebacker
2:Cornerback
3:Safety

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