It was just two seasons ago that the Cleveland Browns had a truly dominant defense; one that terrorized opposing offenses and quarterbacks.
A defense that led the league in pass-rush win rate over any team in the NFL at just over 60 percent. Spearheading that charge was the eventual Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
It was a defense fueled by both speed and aggression on all counts.
If you needed a key stop on a big third down late in the game, that defense always found a way to get you that stop. It was something Browns fans had not seen in quite some time.
Coming off an 11-6 record and Wild Card appearance, the 2024 season had some buzz going into it. Unfortunately, as we all know, that was proved to be short-lived.
Once again, plagued by injuries on both sides of the ball, mixed with horrible quarterback play, the defense felt an immediate impact and struggled to be consistent weekly.
As a result of these issues, the Browns then found themselves back in familiar waters as a bottom-feeding team and in position to land the number two overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
What the Browns did with that 2nd overall pick was trade back to the 5th spot, making a bold decision to take defensive lineman and Michigan standout, Mason Graham, to bolster the defensive unit that struggled against the run in 2024.
Bold was an understatement, especially considering the potential candidates the Browns passed up on, such as Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter, along with many other talented guys in this year’s draft.
Any of those names would have added serious value to the Browns’ roster, but bolstering the defensive front was at the top of Andrew Berry’s list.
The Browns then followed that pick by choosing UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who flew under the radar, and will now see some meaningful snaps in 2025 with the recent retirement of Jordan Hicks and the uncertainty of the future status of Pro-Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Mixed in with some other additions to key positions in free agency like Jerome Baker, young players like defensive end Isaiah McGuire and defensive tackle Mike Hall returning with increased roles, this defense has the potential to return to form and dominate once again.
The recent injury to Martin Emerson is a huge blow to the defensive back room. However, it shouldn’t be the end of the world for that unit.
Led by Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome, who will get a chance to play on the outside once again, we will be in good shape. The slot will most likely belong to Cameron Mitchell, who has shown some promise since being drafted in 2023.
Of course, we can’t forget about the return of Myles Garrett, who signed a four-year extension this offseason that will pay him what he is worth and keep him in a Browns uniform for the foreseeable future.
The final upgrade from this offseason that will help this defense is the return of the Kevin Stefanski-style offense, focusing more on run-heavy, play-action play calling and the fan-favorite return of Joe Flacco, who also played a key role in the late run in 2023.
That alone will keep the defense off the field more than the 2024 season.
The optimism surrounding this group is intriguing. The season as a whole won’t be anything like it was in 2023, but the defense will play a significant role in whatever success the Browns have this season.
Only time will tell what version of the Cleveland Browns will show up in 2025, and I am once again, ready for the rollercoaster.