Here is what ESPN's Michael Rothstein [I'm guessing he is paid by ESPN to cover the Falcons] had to say about Ford:
Quote
Mike Ford, CB/S/ST
Age: 27
2022 stats: 8 defensive tackles, 7 special teams tackles
The skinny: Ford has developed into one of the league's top special teams players and is a key contributor there. Pay no attention to the defensive numbers (although he could play corner or safety in an emergency) and look at the overall value to a phase of the game Atlanta places an emphasis on.
The type of signing that will go unnoticed by many.
Most special teams players are unheralded. Yet over the full season they are important.
Our special teams over the last two seasons was poor overall. Priefer paid the price. When you sign a guy like this for $2 plus you expect him to make plays.
AB has been methodical about improving the areas that needed to improve.
A GM should try to make upgrades to all positions on the team whenever it makes sense and can be done. ST's are no different and neither is depth at all positions. I think he will be used as the gunner on ST's and should be a huge improvement in that capacity.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
@Bull_Dawg the contract updates for the players noted, because the moneys become guaranteed, those moneys now get spread across the remainder of the contract for salary cap purposes. While this is "kicking the can down the road" it does open up those moneys to be used this year.
The type of signing that will go unnoticed by many.
Most special teams players are unheralded. Yet over the full season they are important.
Our special teams over the last two seasons was poor overall. Priefer paid the price. When you sign a guy like this for $2 plus you expect him to make plays.
AB has been methodical about improving the areas that needed to improve.
I agree. I always find these signings "interesting" because I've thought of many STers as being bottom-of-the-roster guys who make the team because of the ST ability...and are unlikely to see the field otherwise. This guy isn't a total project, so he may see the field if circumstances dictate...so that's good. With our luck, we will draft a late-round guy/flyer with promise who will have to make the team on Sts while developing into a contributor otherwise...and we will be "stuck" with (2) guys who will only play Sts in '23. It won't affect the cap...it won't stymie the growth on O, D, or STs...but it could make the 53 even tighter to crack. I'm sure the coaches and FO would welcome that "problem".
@Bull_Dawg the contract updates for the players noted, because the moneys become guaranteed, those moneys now get spread across the remainder of the contract for salary cap purposes. While this is "kicking the can down the road" it does open up those moneys to be used this year.
I don't think all guarantees get pro-rated. Signing bonuses are guarantees that do. The option bonuses do, also, get pro-rated, it appears. I think the money becoming guaranteed, by itself, just means we'd still have to pay them that if we cut them now. For example, before only 10M of Myles' contract was guaranteed, now the full ~$17M is guaranteed. It doesn't change anything on the cap. I'm still trying to figure out if the option bonuses change anything capwise or if they were already assumed for cap space projection purposes. Before we could have gotten out of them, but now they've been paid and the cap hits are fixed as they were spread out as projected, I believe.
You mess with the "Bull," you get the horns. Fiercely Independent.
He had a $1.2M contract last year playing behind Lockett and Metcalf. Can't imagine any deal being more than one year for much money. Clearly, the Browns are trying to find a speedy/deep threat WR. I'd rather have someone like Chark or Hardman for a little more. Maybe he is in town because the other options fell through in some form or fashion??
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Could be an option as a slot receiver. Good speed. Catches the ball. Injured last year w/Seattle. I think he missed about 5 or 6 games. I don't think I watched him last year in Seattle. I liked him in SF. I remember him taking a knee in honor of his son who was born prematurely and died. Not sure about the money? I do think we could use help in the slot.
Why a thumbs down - this guy fits the Berry Mold to an absolute tee. Talented, ubber athletic - underachiever so far in his career. That's been the Berry MO with several signings. Some have worked out some haven't but we have never given away much to try them out and see if they can turn their careers around.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
I think a lot of fans are expecting an answer instead of what you described as an " underachiever so far in his career". Someone who is actually a more proven WR. Which could still happen. At this stage I think a lot of fans are looking for more of a proven commodity at the WR position than placing odds on another "Some have worked out some haven't."
Like I said that could still happen. Hopefully Goodwin is being considered for someone further on down the depth chart than the answer some people are hoping for if he's signed. I could see him as a further on down the depth chart guy which may be an upgrade in that role. Which this FO should still be striving to accomplish so if that's how it works out I think it would be a good signing.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Why a thumbs down - this guy fits the Berry Mold to an absolute tee. Talented, ubber athletic - underachiever so far in his career. That's been the Berry MO with several signings. Some have worked out some haven't but we have never given away much to try them out and see if they can turn their careers around.
He is 32 years old. His best days are long gone. To me this is like throwing in the towel on signing a WR.
Why a thumbs down - this guy fits the Berry Mold to an absolute tee. Talented, ubber athletic - underachiever so far in his career. That's been the Berry MO with several signings. Some have worked out some haven't but we have never given away much to try them out and see if they can turn their careers around.
He is 32 years old. His best days are long gone. To me this is like throwing in the towel on signing a WR.
I respect your football knowledge, so I will give my opinion and then ask you a question. I don't like this FA WR class. At all! I have said it numerous times. I have maintained we should concentrate on the defensive side of the ball in FA and go after a WR or two in the draft. I think the FA WRs all have huge question marks and will cost way more than they are worth. If we do go after a WR, I would target a lower tiered guy like Goodwin. I liked Thielen, but even he got more than he is worth.
Now the question: Do you really think it would be wise to spend significant money on any of the FA WRs out there, especially given their injury history and inconsistent production?
I would rather see a trade for a WR or sign one (Hardman) that could be with us for more than a year. The roster spot he would take up would be better spent (imo) on a player who has a future with us past this season, especially with DPJ possibly hitting FA next year.
I understand what you are saying about, "I liked Thielen, but even he got more than he is worth." But that's a common misconception a lot of fans have. They often look at signings from the past off season and see this years salaries as being too high. We both know that the price tag for WR's has been escalating so that was to be expected. Then there's the increase in the salary cap which means in general the price tag for skilled players simply continue to rise. It's just the price of doing business. An NFL FO has one of two choices. Either keep up with the cost of the market or refuse to sign mid to upper level FA's.
So far the Browns FO has been managing that fine line between doing both and a good job of it at that.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
If true, I don't really get the "why" of pursuing this trade. That's a lot to give up for a guy who is "okay." Also, I'm pretty sure that 2023 is the last year of his rookie contract and he is almost certainly going to want a big dollar contract.
The hard part when looking at Jeudy is judging his time with Denver.
He is 23. Still very young.
The Denver qb situation has been unsteady. Jeudy went into a tough situation. If there is interest on the Browns part. They have to look at him as a long term investment who would take over for Cooper at some point.
Always hard to tell what Jeudy's true potential is? If they look at him and see more than he has done so far.
I hear you. I think he is a good player. I think he has the ability to be upper echelon. I worry because we have already traded away picks for Watson. My biggest concern is his contract status. Imagine giving up a #1 and he leaves after a year. That's scary.
Pick up Jeudy's 5th year option in 2024. By the time Jeudy is due for a big contract, Cooper's contract has expired following the 2024 season in which Cooper will be 31.
Pick up Jeudy's 5th year option in 2024. By the time Jeudy is due for a big contract, Cooper's contract has expired following the 2024 season in which Cooper will be 31.
And he would only cost us just over 17M for the first two years. Jeudy was also used in the slot at Alabama, I m not sure if he has been used in the slot with Denver too.
The hard part when looking at Jeudy is judging his time with Denver.
He is 23. Still very young.
The Denver qb situation has been unsteady. Jeudy went into a tough situation. If there is interest on the Browns part. They have to look at him as a long term investment who would take over for Cooper at some point.
Always hard to tell what Jeudy's true potential is? If they look at him and see more than he has done so far.
Then he may be worth their second rounder.
I don't have an opinion on him.
I think the question for the Browns FO and coaching staff is do they think Judy is going to be better next year than any rookie they draft?
I do think there is a sense of urgency in the office and while long term thinking hasn't been totally eliminated, there is a small window in front of them. The thinking may be you worry about Judys next year contract, next year. Do you bank on a veteran player or do you bank of a rookie?
I am 100% confident that Haslam has communicated to everybody that counts that next year is very important for them. I am 100% confident that the coaching changes were made at the "suggestion" of the owner, and I am 100% behind Jimmy Haslam on this.
The guy has spent hundreds of $millions in support of his staff and now he expects to see a return. We haven't spent anything towards the Browns....well, I did just send off near $5000 for my season tickets, and we expect to see returns. I suspect that the Haslam group who just spent a quarter $billion on a QB and had to endure the PR backlash expect to see a return too. Don't you think? I think so, and agree they should expect a ROI. They don't just throw money down the drain just like you or I. They have pride just we have pride in our team.
No, I don't think the FO is looking for a rookie receiver to answer their needs. Maybe it's not Judy, I have seen Godwin being mentioned. I don't know who it is, but we will try hard to bring in a vet receiver.
Then we can draft one as well. Then the draft is wide open to bring in good players who might help immediately and in the future.
Just Win, Baby, as Al Davis used to say. I think that is what Jimmy has communicated to the staff.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Pick up Jeudy's 5th year option in 2024. By the time Jeudy is due for a big contract, Cooper's contract has expired following the 2024 season in which Cooper will be 31.
Picking up the option should cost the Browns around $13 million. He will want more after that. Look, I have scoffed at all the drama about salary cap hell, but you have to manage the cap. Having guys on rookie deals is a good thing for the cap. It gives the team flexibility.
We paid Watson big bucks. He should be able to elevate others. This isn't a Baker Mayfield situation who had to be carried by others. If Watson can't return to elite status, the team is doomed and a guy like Jeudy won't change that. I'd spend the money elsewhere.
I'd trade for Jeudy and still draft a WR. Watson will be restructured again next year. Garrett and Ward could be as well. Chubb may be gone or extended and restructured. Next year is likely Teller's last year if he's not traded in the offseason. I do not think a $13M cap hit in 2024 would be an issue. I certainly understand your POV, however.
Here's some entertaining media on media crime as this devolves into quite the back and forth.
I understand your POV, as well. It's an honest debate, which I will always welcome. No insults, no misrepresenting one another's message. Just a slight difference of opinion. I wish all contrary opinions would follow along these lines.
One side note. I am not in the Daryl Ruiter camp. I think most of us know that Dallas dealt Cooper because of his contract, which I believe was about $20 million and Jones was ticked at him for getting Covid and missing some time.
I'd trade for Jeudy and still draft a WR. Watson will be restructured again next year. Garrett and Ward could be as well. Chubb may be gone or extended and restructured. Next year is likely Teller's last year if he's not traded in the offseason. I do not think a $13M cap hit in 2024 would be an issue. I certainly understand your POV, however.
Here's some entertaining media on media crime as this devolves into quite the back and forth.
Not sure where Cory got Jeudy as the top YPRR WR. PFF has ten other guys in the top 10.
My issue with Jeudy is the cost both in the trade capital and cap space as well as questions around his durability. He's missed time with ankle injuries the past two seasons. Had nagging rib and shoulder injuries his rookie year. Also tore a meniscus at Alabama. His build is on the slight side which doesn't inspire confidence in his suddenly staying healthy.
If I'm going to gamble, I prefer that it's cost controlled.
You mess with the "Bull," you get the horns. Fiercely Independent.
I posted this link earlier, but click on it and scroll down a bit until you see the green and red bars. Jeudy did not have the highest YPRR, but it was very high.
Who said it’s an either or situation? I assume both would be on the roster. I expect the Browns to run a lot of 11 personnel next season. I anticipate Watson throwing the ball 35+ times per game.
Who said it’s an either or situation? I assume both would be on the roster. I expect the Browns to run a lot of 11 personnel next season. I anticipate Watson throwing the ball 35+ times per game.
I don't know if we don't have room for another playmaker. We have 3. Cooper Chubb DPJ (close enough and should be this year)
Juke is our perfect tier 2 receiver (most teams only have 1 of these)
Tier 3 We have Ford/Felton/Bell
We attempted 32 passes a game and KC throws it 37 times a game
KC didn't have a single 1,000-yard WR Minnesota only had 1 1k receiver The chargers didn't have a 1k receiver
The Dolphins had 2 1k receivers but didn't have a 1k RB TB had 2 1k receivers but didn't have a 1k RB The Bengals had 2 (barely) 1k receivers but didn't have a 1k RB
the point is there is only so much ball to go around.
As we do not have a 1st, the ask is a 2nd and a player. Of course, that is the ask and not necessarily what they would get. But thinking of a 2nd + a player, they are going to want someone with value. So no Schwartz, Bryant, or Togiai. Who would it take? I have seen on social media where some are suggesting Newsome. I am sure Denver would be ok with that. Me, not so much. I think starter quality CBs are much more difficult to find than starter quality WRs.
I think it's been mentioned here but not enough, IMO. The talent for Jeudy is there, but I think his age plays a HUGE factor in all of this. The upside to have your #1 WR for the next 5+ years must be appetizing to the FO. I guess it comes down to whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze regarding what you'd have to give up.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
There just seems to be too much smoke around these two teams to ignore that the Browns are serious about it. Whether or not a deal is consummated is a different matter entirely.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Offense: Watson remotely as good as all are saying. One of the best O's in the NFL
Defense: DL looking excellent plus Schwartz as coach we should be a top 5 D and a bigtime turnover machine.
Special Teams: We are stacking this team with specialists - Man o Man
If we didn't make the trade and Baker did not heal as expected - I think we would have gone after Aaron Rogers Plus we would have had last years #13 pick Jordan Davis Oh my Gosh!!! But it is what it is still dont like the pediphile situation....smh rather have rogers!
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
Charges against Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy have been dropped, three weeks after he was arrested and held overnight for second-degree criminal tampering, with a domestic violence enhancer.
He was an amazing college WR. He got hurt I believe and I guess lost his confidence - An amazing turnaround with these drops. He will get back together again.
WR is one of the most riskiest position to invest in. Once the fantasy football hit the scene all this got to invest in WR, WR, WR bs has gone off the books. Yes the rare amazing WR makes a difference , but the draft each yeaer gives you around 12 guys to add to the roster and make a good shot for us.
QB, LT, Edge rusher, Cover Corners are still the rare commodities to go after and make a difference to the team.
Go Browns!!!
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
Cory @realcorykinnan -Top receiver in yards per route run last year -Creates more separation than almost any receiver in the league -Already a top 5 route runner in the NFL (comfortably) -7 less drops and 4% lower drop rate than the Browns' WR1 last year
Browns' trade target Jerry Jeudy well worth the asking price Cory Kinnan March 22, 2023 9:39 am ET
The Cleveland Browns are making a concerted effort to get more explosive in the passing attack in 2023. And the smoke is visible between the Browns and Denver Broncos as they continue to float out their former first round wide receiver as trade bait. As the Browns continue to pursue Jerry Jeudy on the trade market, with the asking price likely the 42nd overall pick in the draft and an additional pick, this price for Jeudy is well worth it.
Here we take a look at data provided by SIS, PFF, ESPN Analytics, and Next Gen Stats to break down exactly what makes Jeudy such a tantalizing trade target for the Browns.
A weak draft class of wide receivers and a surplus of day-three picks
If there is one thing I am certain of with the Browns as the 2023 NFL Draft nears, it is that they are not making six picks on day-three of the draft. With two fourths and two fifths, it makes sense to take one of those picks with the 42nd overall pick to make the deal. With only four picks in next year’s draft, this makes more sense than trying to pull a pick from that pool.
Compared to the three classes before the 2023 crop of receivers, it is just not a good class at the top. In this wide receiver class, where the most tantalizing targets with that pick are North Carolina’s Josh Downs or Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott, flipping 42 for Jeudy would be a home run.
It is doubtful the Browns want to go into the draft without a pick until the 98th overall pick. But if they can reframe and tell themselves that Jeudy was their second round pick, it may smooth out a bit of the thought process.
Jerry Jeudy flat-out gets open
According to Next Gen Stats, Jeudy is the best separator of any target who is not a tight end or a pure slot receiver with over seven yards of cushion. Additionally, Jeudy is the top receiver in yards per route run against man coverage, proving to be more than capable of torching cornerbacks one-on-one.
When going against man coverage in 2022, Jeudy posted a massive 21 yards per route run, no drops, a 150.5 rating, and an EPA and points earned that would rank him fifth of all wide receivers in the NFL (according to SIS).
He possesses explosive hip sink, plays the game in slow motion to create and hunt out blindspots of defensive backs, and is unbelievably sudden at the top of routes. Even with Cooper on the roster, Jeudy would be the best route runner on the team in Cleveland.
Jeudy can do something no Browns receiver could do a year ago: create after the catch
There is not a receiver on the Browns roster that has shown the ability to create lightning in a bottle with the ball in their hands after the catch. The only name currently on the roster that may be able to do so is Jaelen Darden, but he is not a lock to make the roster and struggled to find the field after he was claimed by the Browns late in the season.
Enter Jeudy.
Sixth in yards after the catch in 2022, Jeudy is an incredibly hard man to bring down in the open field. Elusive and explosive, Jeudy can break angles in the open field on his way to the endzone and shows the ability to stop on a dime and change directions losslessly as he reverses the field.
On screens, manufactured touches, and creating after the catch down the field, Jeudy has a skillset that is desperately needed on this team.
The drop issues of Jeudy are vastly overblown
Sure, Jeudy had a rough time catching the football as a rookie, but since then his hands have been around league average. In 2022, Jeudy was charted with six drops according to PFF. This was the same as his teammate Courtland Sutton, Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, DeVonta Smith, and Ja’Marr Chase.
His drop percentage was 26th in the NFL, below the likes of Diontae Johnson, Alec Pierce, Brandin Cooks, Jaylen Waddle, and Christian Kirk.
SIS has Jeudy charted at just a 6.5 percent drop rate this past season. Beyond his rookie season, the drops and drop rate of Jeudy have trended toward the league average more than any sort of outlying or glaring number.
Drops happen to everybody. Guess who has a consistently staggering drop rate that nobody cares about because he produces? Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, but attention is not paid to that because he produces.
And Jeudy produced in 2022 despite playing with a quarterback who was among the bottom five in the NFL a year ago.
Closing the book on Jeudy
Amari Cooper is pegged as having a great year for the Browns a year ago. And he did! Setting career marks, or coming even with career marks almost across the board, Cooper left a ton to like on the field in 2022. However, Jeudy produced just as well as he did across the board in two fewer games and 32 fewer targets.
He is an elite receiver at beating man coverage, and his drop issues have trended more toward the league average than anything else. With two years of control on his rookie contract still, before Jeudy would need a new deal, the Browns would have a cost-effective WR1B to Cooper’s 1A in 2023.
As the Browns have to deal with the reality of Cooper’s cap hit beyond 2023 as well, Jeudy gives the Browns a pure top option even if they have to part ways elsewhere. For the price of the 42nd overall pick and an additional day three pick (of which the Browns have six), the price of admission is with it for Jeudy.
It looks to me that his upside pushes this to; we should get him.
Make this happen.
His potential is way higher than the receivers I have seen in this draft. His impact on our roster will be way more than what I would expect from pick 42.
He is young. He will make the offense cook. He is a good longer term investment. The situation that has been Denver is giving us an opportunity we would not have had.
Not sure if I said this already on here but this is probably the best roster, on paper, that the Browns have had since the return......by a large margin.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
Don't know a better place to put this...but...if we run a Pistol-heavy offense, does that mean good news for Felton the RB? I didn't like him in the standard backfield set of pre-'23...just wondering if he translates better as a pistol RB.
Didn't want to start a new thread and was unsure where to put this, but it could lead to good conversation. Checking out the link will allow you to see the charts and make this easier to read.
Predicting The Cleveland Browns 53-Man Roster ByJACK DUFFIN Mar 24, 1:05 PM
In this article, we are going to look at who the Cleveland Browns currently have under contract for every position room, some final free agency names they might add as well as who are the most likely guys to make the final 53-man roster.
There is going to be competition across the roster for who makes the final team which is really healthy because it will get the best out of the players plus if someone goes down injured there is a solid player behind them rather than having a giant hole in the team.
At the time of writing, we are still waiting on contracts for Josh Dobbs, Marquise Goodwin and Anthony Walker. A player's status is more dictated by guarantees than what they offer as a rotational or special teamer. I would believe Goodwin is on the veteran salary benefit but we won't know this until the numbers are released.
No free agency is coming to a close I will dig into the draft more and start providing you with some more information on likely players they target over the coming month.
Below is the current Cleveland Browns roster as of today and their status as where I see it on the team.
Locks - Players who I have 99% confidence will be on the final 53-man roster unless they are traded
Bubble - Players who are fighting to make the final team, those that don't might get picked up by other teams on waivers rather than making it to the Browns practice squad
Practice Squad Candidates - These players are unlikely to make the final 53-man roster and instead are trying to show enough that they can make the practice squad and continue developing
CURRENT SALARY CAP SPACE The Cleveland Browns current cap space stands at $8,963,016
Here are the moves that have happened:
Watson Restructure +$35,936,000
Tomlinson $4,288,177
Thornhill $2,264,000
Okoronkwo $2,180,000
Pocic $2,064,000
Akins $1,565,000
Ford $1,500,000
Green $1,400,000
TakiTaki $1,232,500
Kunaszyk & Adams $1,092,500
Hill $1,055,618
Hurst $940,000
Still waiting on final contract structures for Dobbs, Goodwin & Walker.
Based on the Cleveland Browns' current draft picks they only require $1,186,237 of cap space to sign their rookies so this should easily be achievable.
Here is a list of potential restructures and an explanation of how they work. I wouldn't expect them to do one of these unless they really need to.
Cooper +$15.068m Garrett +$12.936m Teller +$9.136m Bitonio +$7.868m Chubb +$7.816m
On June 2nd the Browns will gain an additional $9.75m of cap space for John Johnson and $1.165m for Jadeveon Clowney. It is no issue waiting for this space as they will need a fund of $5-10m for injuries and the practice squad so this coming later is fine.
REMAINING CASH BUDGET This offseason, I have written on how tracking cash spend is a good way to see how much else Andrew Berry is likely to do. Here is the initial article explaining why this is so useful. The projected number looks back at how Andrew Berry has operated in past years so explains why defensive tackle is so low and you will increase due to more investment there.
To give an example of how this would work; if they sign Calais Campbell for $5m a year, he would likely replace Jordan Elliott's $2,743,000 so it would be $2,257,000 net.
I have factored in $2.5m for Walker and $2m for Dobbs but we don't have finalized contract numbers yet so this could move around slightly.
They might look close to their maximum spend but they can continue upgrading the team especially if they are willing to move off of Elliott, Bryant, and Haeg which each free up space if replaced by a rookie or minimum contract player.
QUARTERBACK Locks Watson Dobbs
Bubble Mond
Practice Squad Candidate N/A
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 6-7
This room is more or less set now, with Dobbs having a guaranteed deal to back up Watson. I would expect them to roll into next season with just the two quarterbacks because rostering a third one would likely come at the expense of a special teams linebacker and it doesn't seem like this is something they are willing to do now.
They might try to get Mond to the practice squad but there is a chance another team will snap him up.
Final 53 Watson Dobbs
RUNNING BACK Locks Chubb Ford
Bubble N/A
Practice Squad Candidate Kelly McCrary
Potential Free Agency Names Jerick McKinnon Darrel Williams Latavius Murray Justin Jackson Ty Johnson
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 4-7
Chubb is locked in as your starter but I worry about relying on Jerome Ford to be your backup running back because if Chubb goes down in camp and misses the first four weeks of the season can he be relied on as the main guy for that stretch. During the 2022 season, he played in 14 offensive snaps with a stat line of 8 carries for 12 yards and 0 targets. His being on the sideline when the season was over and watching Hunt playing was incredibly frustrating as it was the perfect opportunity to see what they had.
I don't want to spend on a backup running back but if they can use the veteran salary benefit to get someone cheap who has experience such as a Jerick McKinnon or Latavius Murray then it would be a really nice floor if injury strikes. This certainly wouldn't stop Ford from beating them out in camp but I would rather make it a challenge than give him the role.
Then it seems like a lock they will add a running back during the draft, Deuce Vaughn is a direction they could go. Rookie running backs are usually very young and athletic so expect lots of names to show positively on my age & RAS guardrails board.
Final 53 Chubb Free Agent Ford Rookie
WIDE RECEIVER Locks Cooper Peoples-Jones Moore Bell
Bubble Woods Goodwin Schwartz Felton Grant Darden
Practice Squad Candidate Baldwin Stevenson Harley Weston
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 3-7
I would say the first four names are all locks for the roster and Cooper now has a shot at seeing his final two years out in Cleveland. They likely try to get an extension done with Peoples-Jones in June/July time. Moore has to play one more year before he can get around the negotiating table with the team. Bell showed a little bit in year one and keen to see what he can bring to the table in year two.
The Goodwin move is interesting to work out as it could go many different directions. My first thought is that Grant is knocked off the bottom of the roster but it could also be an indication that they don't think Woods is going to have a long term future with the team. There is a complete wildcard that they are looking to potentially trade DPJ and don't view him as a long term player here with the focus being on adding as much speed as possible.
They could then go ahead and draft someone which would then mean Goodwin, Woods and Grant are battling it out for one spot. We have no idea where Grant is at health-wise, he took a pay cut instead of being cut so he certainly isn't entering camp from a position of strength.
Final 53 Cooper Peoples-Jones Moore Bell Goodwin Rookie
TIGHT END Locks Njoku Akins
Bubble Bryant
Practice Squad Candidate Mitchell-Paden
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 3-7
I have believed all offseason they would look to move on from Byrant as has been a nice player but not one you would want to pay $2.7m to for 2023. They might look for a Mack Wilson/Chase Winovich-style trade where they swap him with another team's bubble player in the final year of a rookie deal or they could look to cut him as we get closer to a final 53 and know there have been no injury issues.
It will be important to add a rookie tight end as they take a year to develop and they have an out in Njoku's deal of $10m for 2024 as well as the option to move off of Akin's saving $2m. So getting a young player who can develop behind them in 2023 is ideal.
Final 53 Njoku Akins Rookie
TACKLE Locks Wills Conklin Hudson
Bubble Haeg
Practice Squad Candidate Wheatley
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 3-7
The two starters are locked in and I expect Wills's 5th-year option to be picked up before the 1st of May. This will make him a below-average costing left tackle at $14,175,000. While he is only providing average play it gives them two years to work out a long-term plan at left tackle because an extension feels unlikely.
Hudson is now a lock, he was only on the bubble encase they added a veteran swing tackle, now this has passed I expect him to be safe for the swing tackle position.
I expect them to draft a left tackle potentially as high as pick 74 because if you have someone who you believe might be an 8-10 year answer at the position then you grab them and have 1-2 years to develop them to replace Wills.
Don't be surprised if Haeg is around until the end of camp as injuries to Conklin will remain a concern. They could then be able to trade him off so they aren't left with $500,000 of dead cap as teams will always have the need for swing tackles, multiple teams offered him when the Browns did the deal last year.
Final 53 Wills Conklin Hudson Rookie
GUARD Locks Bitonio Teller
Bubble Forbes Deaton
Practice Squad Candidate N/A
Potential Free Agency Names Michael Dunn
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 3-7
The two starters are locked in but they could look to move on from Teller next offseason so this might come into play with how they build the room.
While Forbes is okay they might want another veteran to be the third guard, Michael Dunn would be a prime candidate. They didn't offer him the $2.7m restricted free-agent tender but that wouldn't stop them from bringing him back on a cheaper deal.
What they do in the draft will give us a big indication of how they view Deaton. If they add someone he is likely to be forced off the roster but if they don't then it leaves him a nice route to develop as the team's fourth guard for the 2023 season.
Final 53 Bitonio Teller Free Agent/Forbes Deaton
CENTER Locks Pocic
Bubble Harris
Practice Squad Candidate N/A
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 5-7
Pocic is locked in as the starter and there is a good chance Harris is kept on for his final rookie contract season as the backup. They could look to bring Deaton over here and add a guard in the draft because he would have three rookie years left versus one for Harris.
While there is the chance they draft someone I don't know if we see it in 2023, because Pocic has two guaranteed years before a team option to get out of the deal for the 2025 season. I would assume they look to draft a center next offseason and then start developing him to fill that role after Pocic.
While I would really like to see another free agent addition here to strengthen the room I'm not sure it happens. Personally, I would even add a cheaper name like Trey Flowers or Shaq Lawson to force Thomas out of the room, even if it is a camp battle between the pair to see who wins the roster spot.
I will discuss a defensive line free agent addition under defensive tackle who could be of use to the edge room on obvious run plays when you want a pure run-stuffer rather than a pass rusher like Okornkwo.
I think we might only see one defensive line draft pick but if they can work out a way to bring in two then it would be smart to take advantage of the strength of the draft.
Final 53 Garrett Okornkwo Wright Rookie Thomas/Cheap Free Agent
DEFENSIVE TACKLE Locks Tomlinson Winfrey
Bubble Elliott Hurst Hill Stille Togiai
Practice Squad Candidate Perry Dwumfour
Potential Free Agency Names Calais Campbell Matt Ioannidis Shelby Harris Chris Wormley
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 3-7
Personally, I think the best realistic player the Browns could add that would complete free agency would be Matt Ioannidis or Calais Campbell which would be around $5-6m for a one year deal.
If they want a cheaper defensive tackle then Chris Wormley could be a really cheap one-year deal. He might start the season on PUP but then you have upside and an extra body joining the team.
The issue with drafting defensive tackles is that the rookie year is mostly a write-off as they develop physically to be ready for the NFL. That is why I would be happy rolling with cheap veterans in the position room who have proven they can perform in the NFL than almost red-shirting a player for a year as your 4th defensive tackle.
They can then let Hurst and Hill battle it out with Togiai for the fourth defensive tackle position. Moving on from Elliott makes a lot of sense considering he is due $2.7m this year.
The top three starters are now locked in with Walker, Owusu-Koramoah, and Takitaki. The question is going to be how long it takes for Takitaki to come back from his injury. This could be 4-9 weeks depending on how they use the PUP list if he isn't ready for week one. For this reason, I would be keen to add Ragland just as a solid depth veteran.
The contract for Adams includes $300,000 of guarantees which makes him very likely to make the final 53-man roster but I wouldn't call it a 99% certainly lock just yet. I would assume Fields is effectively now your Takitaki cover until he is healthy as he won't take a roster spot if he starts the season on the PUP list.
Kunaszyk's contract includes $500,000 of guarantees so he is locked in to make the roster as a special teams player rather than a pure linebacker.
Final 53 Walker Owusu-Koramoah Takitaki Rookie Adams Kunaszyk
CORNERBACK Locks Ward Newsome Emerson Green Ford
Bubble Graham
Practice Squad Candidate N/A
Potential Free Agency Names N/A
Potential Draft Addition Rounds 5-7
The top five names are all locked in on the roster due to their guarantees. Since Ford has $925,000 in guarantees there is no route where he would get cut. This means Graham feels unlikely to make the final 53 based on where we are at currently. Ford can play slot corner if you need him to cover injury but he isn't your starter there and that is likely to remain with Newsome.
I can see them adding another cornerback later in the draft too, this might be a versatile corner who can potentially start in the slot in 2024 if he develops well. But they could stick to their more common philosophy of 5 corners and 5 safeties which would mean no draft picks here.
I think it would be risky to go into the 2023 season with only two proven safeties on the roster so replacing Ronnie Harrison with a proven veteran option like Kalu or McLeod would be a smart move. It also means if Delpit struggles for a stretch they have a legitimate option to bring in plus for three safety sets.
Where they have signed CB Mike Ford he is likely to be a special teams defensive back which takes away a large part of the role D'Anthony Bell had last season. So keeping 6 corners and 4 safeties would make it hard for him to make the final 53-man roster. I wouldn't rule them out not drafting a corner this year though, so what they do in the draft will have a significant impact on how the defensive backs balance out.
I think it would be smart and highly likely for them to add a safety in this draft because Delpit hits free agency next season so adding a rookie who can hopefully develop into this role gives you much-needed options next offseason. While they might like Delpit they can't keep everyone so he might be one they try and turn into a compensation pick by allowing more free agents to leave than they re-sign.
Final 53 Thornhill Delpit FA Rookie
SPECIAL TEAMS Locks York Bojoquez Hughlett
Bubble N/A
Practice Squad Candidate N/A
Potential Draft Addition N/A
This room shouldn't be changing this offseason so expect them to run it back unchanged. The key difference in 2023 special teams will come from the other roles like improved gunners etc.
Final 53 York Bojoquez Hughlett
HOW MANY ANDREW BERRY DRAFT PICKS GET CUT IN 2023 People have said Andrew never cuts his draft picks but part of this comes from inheriting a roster that had several nice starters but really lacked depth. Over several off seasons he has added more depth and this means draft picks will continue to get pushed off the bottom of the roster. Here are the draft picks who are getting cut/traded this offseason as they continue adding talent:
WR Schwartz
WR Felton
TE Bryant
DT Elliott
DT Togiai
LB Phillips
LB Fields
Plus WR Woods & ED Thomas who I have as 50/50 change of being cut
CASH SPEND STATUS So based on my projected final 53 man roster we would be spending $260,145,290 in cash on the final 53 which is more or less identical to my projection of $259,419,200 at 115.4% of the 2022 NFL salary cap.
Where it has some projections for Walker's, Goodwin's & Dobb's contract it will end up very close to what we see for the season. The one thing to keep in mind is a DPJ extension which would see a significant jump in his 2023 cash despite not moving the salary cap this year very much.
FINAL 53 Here is my predicted 53-man roster for the Cleveland Browns
Key
14 COMMENTS Green - A Free Agent addition
Yellow - A camp battle that is too close to call currently
What's the deal with Kareem Hunt? I am really surprised nobody has signed him yet. Maybe he is asking for too much money and/or wants to be a featured back? He is only 27 (the same as Chubb). I still would like to see him in a Browns uniform.
What's the deal with Kareem Hunt? I am really surprised nobody has signed him yet. Maybe he is asking for too much money and/or wants to be a featured back? He is only 27 (the same as Chubb). I still would like to see him in a Browns uniform.
Ekeler is on the market also and he is a better back imo. I feel it is a money thing.
3.8 yards/carry and only 3 TD last year. He also only had 210 yards receiving. He looked a bit slower at times last year.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
One sportsbook released their Over/Under for team win total. Browns at 9.5.
Bengals 11.5 and Jags 10.5 seem high. Then again, Jags division is pretty weak.
Our staff needs the over.
At 9 wins we probably miss the playoffs. At 10 wins, even if we miss the playoffs they probably keep their jobs.
Berry is probably safe. I think his work the last few years has been solid. He also holds a card that says he never did get to hire "his" coach.
Just a question. If we did move on from Berry, I wonder if we would still get picks if we hired Raiche from her position as asst GM or does that only work if she goes to another team?
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
We would have to burn down for Haslam to make a change. We have to remember Haslam's history to this point.
A long string of coaching and FO firing and hiring. I don't think that was his wish. He has seen what poor organization looks like. I think Berry and Stefanski both fit what he wants. I believe he is encouraged by what he has seen.
DW was a major decision. Part of that decision was based upon AB and KS. In order for that investment to pay off.
It is important that the staff stays together. The goal is to win a Super Bowl and soon. Changing the GM and HC is not the way to reach the goal.
--Kareem Hunt: I heard a report on ESPN that while E. Elliot is looking to be signed asap, Hunt is intentionally waiting and wants to sign later in the process.
--I know it can't be stopped, but I absolutely despise talk of firing people at this time of year. We had to listen to the constant agenda-driven talk from around this time last year all the way up through the beginning of free agency. It's been refreshing to actually talk about football for a little while.
I wasn't comfortable giving up that much for Jeudy. I think the Browns were fiscally responsible in the way they handled the WR room.
Insider Report: Browns never got close with Broncos on WR Jerry Jeudy
Cory Kinnan March 26, 2023 10:35 am ET
The Cleveland Browns struck a trade this week with the New York Jets for wide receiver Elijah Moore. However, before that, the Browns reportedly maintained steady communication with the Denver Broncos on former first round wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. According to Cleveland dot com’s Mary Kay Cabot, however, the Browns and Broncos never got close on Jeudy despite the smoke that infiltrated the internet.
“The Browns checked in on a number of possibilities, but weren’t prepared to meet the Broncos’ asking price”
Asking for a first round pick, the Browns would have likely had to surrender the 42nd overall pick and more for Jeudy compared to just moving back 32 picks in the draft for Moore.
--Kareem Hunt: I heard a report on ESPN that while E. Elliot is looking to be signed asap, Hunt is intentionally waiting and wants to sign later in the process.
--I know it can't be stopped, but I absolutely despise talk of firing people at this time of year. We had to listen to the constant agenda-driven talk from around this time last year all the way up through the beginning of free agency. It's been refreshing to actually talk about football for a little while.
Teams do find more money after June 1 and the realities of needing a player at a position become critical. Unless you are one of the top guys or you aren't that good and start looking for anything the minute FA begins, it makes some sense to wait.
I can see how you might get a bump over jumping at the first offer.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Jimmy Haslam: No ultimatum for Kevin Stefanski but 'we have expectations'
Cory Kinnan March 28, 2023 10:31 am ET
The Cleveland Browns are looking to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and so is owner Jimmy Haslam. Speaking to the media at the NFL owner’s meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, Haslam talked about his expectations and what he expects from head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“You all know how hard it is to win in the NFL… We certainly do. So I think everybody has a sense of urgency that we need to play well this year.” (via Cleveland dot com’s Mary Kay Cabot)
While Haslam did not give Stefanski an ultimatum to make the playoffs or he’d be fired, the owner added, “I don’t want to say that, but I think that we have expectations to go to the playoffs.”
The Browns and Stefanski are out of excuses. They rightfully moved on from Baker Mayfield, they no longer are starting a backup quarterback for 11 games and have plugged significant holes on their roster. They have a full offseason with their $230 million quarterback and all 17 games.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam remain 'committed to redoing' FirstEnergy Stadium, upgrading City of Cleveland waterfront property The Haslams said at the NFL Annual Meetings they remain committed to helping the City of Cleveland upgrade their waterfront property, which could include a renovation of FirstEnergy Stadium
Mar 28, 2023 at 04:40 PM Employee Headshots on June 24, 2021 Anthony Poisal Staff Writer
032823_HaslamStadium PHOENIX — Dee and Jimmy Haslam said Monday at the NFL Annual Meetings they remain committed to upgrading the Browns' stadium — with the primary goal of renovating FirstEnergy Stadium in accordance with the City of Cleveland's plans to upgrade waterfront area between Lake Erie and downtown. The Haslams, who have focused on upgrading the stadium since they became owners of the Browns in 2012, have remained in communication with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and the city as plans for upgrading the waterfront come together. "Cleveland would benefit tremendously from the development of the waterfront," Jimmy Haslam said. "Having the stadium down there seems to be in everybody's best interest, so we're committed to redoing the stadium. In all likelihood, it's not going to have a dome, but it'll be a substantial remodel of the existing facility, and we're probably three, four, five years away from that happening." The Haslams expressed excitement for how the waterfront transformation would impact the city, which would benefit from having more attractions, businesses and community spaces located near the water. "I think the mayor has a really good plan," Jimmy Haslam said. "He's working really hard. We're loving working with him and his team to put forth the best plan for Cleveland. And we want to be part of the story and help out any way we can. We believe it's critically important for the development of downtown to be an attractive city. The best cities in the country have great waterfronts, and I think it's really critical." The Haslams and the city are currently in the process of building those plans based on community feedback, and they expect a more concrete plan to be built by the end of the year. "I think it's a year-long phase," Dee Haslam said. "We're hoping to help out in any way we can. It's a long process, but I think they're doing it right because they want to make sure they have a lot of community input on how it works and what the community wants." Once the city has a foundation for how it plans to renovate the waterfront area, the Browns will be able to make a stronger push forward for how they could upgrade FirstEnergy Stadium, which has served as the home of the Browns since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999.
"There's a lot of infrastructure that has to go into connecting downtown, which is the first thing that has to happen," Jimmy Haslam said. "We've got to connect downtown to the waterfront, right? Everybody knows that. So you've got to relocate the highway … I do think the city, the county and the state are working together well, but there's a lot of hoops to jump through." The Haslams will continue to provide their full backing to the city throughout the process. "I think we're just going to support the mayor and their plan," Dee Haslam said, "and I think whatever they ask us to do, we will. We'll be willing to help out in any way we can.
I still believe that Jimmy and Dee Haslam are good owners. It may have taken a little while to learn and get used to it but they now seem to have straightened things out. No one can question their commitment to winning.
I think the dome is still a possibility, but the comment signals that is going to be up to the community to get done,not something he is going to spearhead.
I suppose he doesn't care enough to toss in X $millions more when he already has a place to play. Just fix that up. After that, it is up to the city and surrounding area to decide if they are happy with a partial use facility or want a full use facility on the lakefront. If the city and county(s) feel they can't get enough use the remainder of the year, then it doesn't make sense.
As for me I have said I want a dome, but recent health events make it clear my days of going to 7-8 games a year are nearing the end, so I suppose it doesn't matter much to me. No, I am not talking about kicking the bucket any time soon. Just getting and feeling older. The thrill of the trip just isn't as alluring as it once was. It just happens.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Former #Seahawks DT Al Woods is visiting the #Browns and #Jets this week, source said. One of the most durable and valuable DTs for the last several years.
Woods could help. He is older, so it would probably be a 1 year contract w/a club option for the second year. He has size. Played the nose in Seattle's 3-4 D last year. Classic Interior D-linemen. We would probably line him up inside the guard and our other DT would line up outside the guard on the other side. His PFF grade was solid at 68.2, w/his run and pass grades being very close. I read a few articles from sites that cover the Seahawks. They were surprised by his release and wanted the Seattle to bring him back. His salary was not bad. Around $4.5 million last year. I still think we need to bring in one other starting IDL. If not, I suspect the Browns are projecting Winfrey as a starter. That could be risky.
It can happen that quickly...snap your fingers and the depth the Browns thought they had ... it is suddenly gone!
Planning and preparing for a worst case scenario might seem like an impossible task but it should be a consideration when developing roster depth.
The only good thing about Woods situation is it happened in April, giving the Brown enough time to come up with a solution. Maybe the injury is not as bad as we think it might be...
I hope Woods is okay, but he wasn't a lock to make the roster.
He was not but he did have a fighting chance. This could kill that entirely if it pans out. Ugh.
I think that he had a high probability of making the 53 man roster and a lower probability that we take a WR in the Draft, (late round flyers excluded) but now I think that this injury will raise the probability for taking one in the Draft.
Hopefully Woods gets healed up and is ready to fight for a roster spot in that room for the 2024 season.
peen posted a link on the WR Room thread that states Woods is out for the season. Tough break for the kid. Luckily, we have quite a bit of depth. Also, it's good to hear Watson is working out w/at least one receiver. Maybe more????
Current Contract Anthony Walker Jr. signed a 1 year, $1,232,500 contract with the Cleveland Browns, including a $152,500 signing bonus, $652,500 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $1,232,500. In 2023, Walker Jr. will earn a base salary of $1,080,000 and a signing bonus of $152,500, while carrying a cap hit of $1,092,500 and a dead cap value of $652,500.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
One positive is I found this random team report card while looking his information up. Nothing game breaking or anything. It is interesting to see the overall survey results from Browns players about the Browns staff and facilities.
I don't mind signing proven role players on one year deals.
We can draft a DT in the third or later and hopefully develop a guy.
My goal is to have a DL rotation to keep guys fresh. Nobody is Myles but Myles. As long as the others are effective Myles will have impact.
IMO there has been much discussion internally to address the DL. Schwartz must have had effective input.
Berry brought Tomlinson as the stud. The others are hopefuls. Guys who have some good tape but have had adversity.
There will be good competition at camp. That should help. The jobs last season were penciled in.
I like the changes so far in FA. We will have better starters and better depth.
It's not bad to have a goal where a rotation keeps players fresh. The problem might be the Browns, The team should focus on getting better play out of a small group instead of endlessly piling on more players.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I don't mind signing proven role players on one year deals.
We can draft a DT in the third or later and hopefully develop a guy.
My goal is to have a DL rotation to keep guys fresh. Nobody is Myles but Myles. As long as the others are effective Myles will have impact.
IMO there has been much discussion internally to address the DL. Schwartz must have had effective input.
Berry brought Tomlinson as the stud. The others are hopefuls. Guys who have some good tape but have had adversity.
There will be good competition at camp. That should help. The jobs last season were penciled in.
I like the changes so far in FA. We will have better starters and better depth.
No doubt Tomlinson was the big get. He is a proven "plus" player. He will be seen as a bust by some to many because he won't have a lot of sacks. The reality is that it is rare a DT gets a lot of sacks, and the ones they do get are usually mop up sacks. With him and some of the others we have brought in or that are already here, I am comfortable we will end up with 5 DT's who will be a big improvement over last season.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
The team should focus on getting better play out of a small group instead of endlessly piling on more players.
That would work great if there were no injuries in the NFL. Maybe that's why the NFL has a 53 man roster and why teams consistently work in upgrading not only their starters but work on upgrading the quality of their depth at all positions as well.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
...As long as the others are effective Myles will have impact.
NRTU bone as I continue to appreciate your optimism...HOWEVER...
Why is it always that Myles needs others to be effective for him to have impact? He's perennially in the running for DPOY yet he has to have Robin(s) to be Batman. I don't read that for Watt, Bosa, Hendrickson et al...those being three guys off the top of my head who impact the game much more than does Myles.
Exactly. A FO should always be on the lookout for talent to upgrade the roster. Additionally, we should be on the lookout for developmental talent so we can replace aging players or players that may become too expensive. Talent evaluation and the acquiring of better players is a 365 day a year job. I really believe we have the right man for the job in Andrew Berry.
In reality, Garrett is seeing the highest rate of double teams of any pass rusher in the NFL and is still winning his reps at the rate of the top pass rushers in the league. Yet when there is no threat from the interior, opposing guards do not even have to glance opposite of Garrett, as the star pass rusher is getting chipped and blanketed every pass rush snap.
There is more to being a perennial DPOY candidate than rushing the passer. There are also those pesky running plays and QB runs where Myles is 3-5 yards up-field looking only for the glory. Ask that head case Clowney about that. I simply expect more from cornerstone positions/players.
Ranking the 25 best edge defenders from the 2022 NFL regular season
By Jonathon Macri Feb 23, 2023
• Tight at the top: The top three players are separated by the thinnest of margins, with Myles Garrett leading the group for 2022.
• Pushing it to the Maxx: Maxx Crosby played more than any other player at his position and finished with a top-five rank as a dominant edge defender for all 1,000-plus of his snaps.
• A second-year breakout: Miami’s Jaelan Phillips emerged in Year 2, posting elite pass-rush metrics and ranking among the top run defenders at his position.
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 11 MINS
This list is based almost entirely on PFF’s final defensive grades for every edge defender during the 2022 regular season. The grades take into account every defensive snap played in every game. This list also allows for some wiggle room in the final rankings based on the number of snaps or games played but leans heavily into the final grades from the end of the regular season.
Keep in mind that sacks typically represent only a small percentage of snaps for an edge defender in a season compared to the quality of every single play, which the grades take into account, so not every NFL sack leader will be represented adjacent to their sack totals.
1. MYLES GARRETT, CLEVELAND BROWNS (92.5) Sixteen sacks in 16 games combined with a league-leading 25.6% pass-rush win rate (min. 50% of pass-rush snaps) earned Garrett the best pass-rush grade in the league (93.5). This marks the second year in a row for Garrett as the league leader in pass-rush grade and is the primary reason he landed the top defensive grade in the league. Garrett also finished second in wins above replacement (0.58) for the position, behind only Maxx Crosby and his 1,000-plus defensive snaps.
2. MICAH PARSONS, DALLAS COWBOYS (91.6) Parsons’ 90 total pressures were tied for the most in the league, and his 19.27% pressure rate was the highest at the position among those who played at least 50% of their team’s pass-rush snaps. Parsons’ dominance as a pass rusher during his rookie year was impossible to ignore, and he made the shift to a full-time edge role in Year 2, managing the second-highest pass-rush grade (92.1) and third-best win rate (22.9%) among qualifying edge defenders.
3. NICK BOSA, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (90.9) The reigning Defensive Player of the Year tied with Micah Parsons for the league lead in total pressures (90), thanks to the second-highest win rate (24.8%) and the third-highest pass-rush grade (90.9) among qualifying edge defenders. Bosa not only led the NFL in sacks (18.5), but he also managed a top-five run-defense grade (81.1) among qualifying edge defenders, having not missed a single tackle against the run.
4. MAXX CROSBY, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (90.1) Crosby was the only defensive lineman in the NFL who played more than 1,000 defensive snaps in 2022, and he did so at an incredibly high level, earning a 90.0-plus overall grade for the second consecutive season. Crosby dominated as a pass rusher, with 12.5 sacks (tied for eighth) and 81 pressures (third), and did the same against the run, with an 82.5 run-defense grade that ranked third among qualifying edge defenders. As a result, Crosby generated more wins above replacement (0.62) than any other player at his position.
5. JAELAN PHILLIPS, MIAMI DOLPHINS (87.7) Phillips broke out in his sophomore year with impressive grades, including an elite 89.8 pass-rush mark (sixth). The 2021 first-round pick played all 17 games and finished in the top 10 at his position in total pressures (70), run-defense grade (75.1) and PFF WAR (0.42). While Phillips actually recorded fewer sacks (seven) than in his rookie year (8.5), when considering his elite excellent underlying metrics, the best may be yet to come for the former Miami Hurricane.
6. JOSH SWEAT, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (86.6) While he didn’t get the same attention as teammate Haason Reddick and his 16 sacks among Eagles’ pass rushers, Sweat posted top-10 marks in both run-defense (80.5) and pass-rush grades (82.1) among qualifying edge defenders. He also generated a top-five run-stop rate (9.8%) with an average depth of tackle of 1.3 yards, which ranked tied for second among edge defenders with at least 50% of snaps played.
7. MONTEZ SWEAT, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (86.4) Continuing the conversation about edge defenders named Sweat who lead their position in average depth of tackle against the run, Montez Sweat posted the best mark at the position in 2022 (0.8 yards). Not only did Sweat finish with an 80.5 run-defense grade, which was seventh at the position, but he added another top-10 mark among qualifying edge defenders with a career-high 79.6 pass-rush grade.
8. DANIELLE HUNTER, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (86.3) Hunter has now posted at least an 80.8 overall grade in each season he's played since 2019 after having not hit that mark in any of his four seasons prior. Concerns about Hunter’s durability heading into the year after he missed a season and a half were put to rest as he racked up a career-high 905 defensive snaps in 2022. Hunter’s 70 total pressures were tied for sixth most at the position, and he led all defensive linemen in pressures that resulted in a sack for his teammates (10).
9. TREY HENDRICKSON, CINCINNATI BENGALS (85.0) Hendrickson has emerged as one of the better pass-rush specialists in the league over the past few seasons, improving his pass-rush grade every year since 2019. His most recent improvement landed him among the top five players at his position in terms of pass-rush grade, and while that didn’t translate into the sack production of others in that range, he still made a significant impact with 18 quarterback hits (fourth most among edge defenders) and a 17.03% pressure rate (eighth).
10. HAASON REDDICK, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (81.1) Reddick actually finished the year ranked 21st among edge defenders in overall grade but moves up significantly for the purpose of this list, considering his snap volume (816), his career year as a pass rusher and his league-leading six forced fumbles. Reddick earned a top-five pass-rush grade (90.0), posting 16 sacks and 68 total pressures — all career highs.
Where his ranking takes a hit is in run defense, where his 59.9 grade placed 35th at the position (min. 50% of run defense snaps). And his 32.3% missed tackle rate against the run ranked second worst among edge defenders. That being said, his impact solely as a pass rusher should be considered and is a big reason why he ranks 10th in PFF WAR at the position.
11. BRANDON GRAHAM, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (89.8) The 34-year-old hit double-digit sacks for the first time in his 13-year career and posted his best defensive grade since 2017. What moves Graham down this list is snap volume, as he shifted into more of a part-time role for the NFC champions and played less than 500 defensive snaps in a non-injury year for the first time since 2013. However, it shouldn’t be understated just how well Graham still performed, posting a top-eight pressure rate (17.14%), win rate (22.86%) and pass-rush grade (89.1) among qualifying edge defenders, keeping him in the top 12 here.
12. JOSH ALLEN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (82.9) Allen has consistently improved since being a top-10 pick back in 2019, most recently posting 82.0-plus grades in run defense and overall while adding a 79.4 pass-rush grade (17th). His impressive run-defense mark ranked second at the position among those who played at least 50% of their team’s run-defense snaps. Allen did all this while playing nearly 900 defensive snaps for the Jaguars — also a career high. That led to him being one of the most valuable players at his position, ranking sixth in PFF WAR (0.40).
13. VON MILLER, BUFFALO BILLS (85.8) Miller had a chance to finish higher on this list if not for injury, but his season was cut short after just 11 games. Prior to the injury, Miller was having his best pass-rush year since his last All-Pro season in 2018. His 45 total pressures were tied for the eighth-most among edge defenders, while his 78.8 run-defense grade also ranked eighth through the first 12 weeks before his campaign ended.
14. GREGORY ROUSSEAU, BUFFALO BILLS (83.6) Rousseau made great strides in Year 2, specifically as a pass rusher, improving his pass-rush grade to 82.7, which ranked among the top 12 edge defenders and helped him double his sack total from his rookie season. While Rousseau missed four games with injury, he was still able to post top-20 marks for the position in pressure rate (15.16%) and win rate (19.49%) — also significant improvements from his rookie year.
15. JOSH UCHE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (83.1) Many would likely expect a different Patriot edge defender in this spot, but when it comes to the overall defensive grades, Uche outperformed Matthew Judon — specifically as a pass rusher, albeit on a smaller sample size. Judon’s 15.5 sacks shouldn’t be overlooked, but when it comes to every pass-rush snap played, Uche was more consistent, ranking fourth in win rate (23.68%), second in pressure rate (20.68%) and eighth in pass-rush grade (87.8). He added 11.5 sacks of his own on nearly 200 fewer pass-rush snaps than Judon.
16. JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS, NEW YORK JETS (82.6) Franklin-Myers is easily one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the league, having posted solid grades across the board in each of the past two seasons. While he doesn’t have flashy pass-rush numbers, never exceeding six sacks in a season, he has posted a minimum of 50 pressures and a 74.1 pass-rush grade in each of the past three years as a starter. He cracked the top 10 (min. 50% of snaps) as a run defender for his position this season, as well, earning a career-high 76.8 run-defense grade.
17. ZA’DARIUS SMITH, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (82.2) One of the better Comeback Player of the Year candidates who didn’t quite get that particular attention during the year, Smith went from playing just 18 defensive snaps in an injury-derailed 2021 regular season to a resurgent year at age 30 with a new team in 2022. Smith got back to his double-digit sack ways with 10 and finished fourth among all edge defenders with 78 total pressures.
18. T.J. WATT, PITTSBURGH STEELERS (82.1) Watt missed seven games in 2022 and didn’t quite get back into the groove that made him 2021’s Defensive Player of the Year, finishing the season with his lowest pass-rush grade (71.5) since his rookie year. Even without the strong underlying pass-rush metrics that he typically boasts, Watt still found a way to be productive, posting 5.5 sacks and 31 pressures on an 83% defensive snap share through 10 games.
19. RASHAN GARY, GREEN BAY PACKERS (82.9) After a breakout year in 2021, Gary was looking like he could push to surpass his Year 3 totals before tearing his ACL in Week 9. Prior to the injury, he ranked among the top 10 edge defenders in pass-rush grade (83.0) and total pressures (38). His six sacks and 20.9% win rate also placed him among the top 15 players at his position. With a full recovery, Gary has a great shot to be higher on this list following the 2023 season.
20. DENICO AUTRY, TENNESSEE TITANS (82.8) With Harold Landry out for the year, the Titans leaned heavily on Autry to power their defensive line, and he delivered with a career year across the board, including a 74.3 run-defense grade and a 75.0 pass-rush grade. Autry dealt with injuries of his own, missing five games, but still managed to play 66% of the team’s defensive snaps when he was active while ranking among the top 20 edge defenders in pressure rate (14.88%) and run-stop rate (8.9%).
21. AIDAN HUTCHINSON, DETROIT LIONS (80.7) The second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft immediately became a significant contributor to the Lions’ defense, playing the second-most defensive snaps at the position (953) and thriving, posting a top-25 grade among edge defenders. Hutchinson totaled 9.5 sacks, 53 pressures (tied for 24th) and 22 run stops (sixth) on the year. His presence on this list after his rookie season should provide plenty of optimism that he can continue to surge as he develops in the NFL.
22. DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, DALLAS COWBOYS (78.1) While not quite at the elite level that he’s been playing at in previous seasons, Lawrence continues to be a consistent threat off the edge as both a pass rusher and a run defender. Entering his 30s, a drop-off in pass-rush production wouldn’t be much of a surprise, but he still earned a 74.6 pass-rush grade (26th), which led to 55 total pressures (tied for 19th).
Lawrence remained dominant as a run defender, leading the position in run-stop rate (12.5%). He has landed among the top 10 in that metric in four of the past five seasons.
23. ALEX HIGHSMITH, PITTSBURGH STEELERS (78.0) With T.J. Watt missing several games due to injury, Highsmith stepped up in a big way, playing a career-high 941 defensive snaps (fourth among edge defenders) and setting new highs in sacks (14.5) and pressures (55). Highsmith’s high sack total was good for sixth in the league, a significant reason that he cracks this list. His contributions outside of the sacks can be described as nothing less than solid, as he posted 70.0-plus grades in four of five defensive categories during his big Year 3.
24. ARDEN KEY, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (81.3) Key ended up being Jacksonville’s second-most productive pass rusher, according to PFF’s pass-rush productivity model, which combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times a player rushes the passer. His success comes even as the team spent the first overall pick on Travon Walker, who played significantly more snaps, and the Jaguars also leaned on Dawuane Smoot slightly more while he was in the lineup. Key still produced top-25 marks for the position in pressure rate (14.38%) and win rate (18.30%), landing 4.5 sacks as a pass-rush specialist.
25. CARL GRANDERSON, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (80.4) Granderson posted a career-high 5.5 sacks in 2022, but it wasn’t his pass-rush ability that landed him on this list. The former undrafted free agent out of Wyoming earned the highest run-defense grade at the position (min. 50% of run-defense snaps) with an 84.4 mark thanks to 24 run stops (fourth) and an 11.6% run-stop rate (second).
Myles is just plain great no matter how you look at him.
There is not an advanced stat that he does not dominate.
This coming season should really bring it into focus. I can not remember seeing DT play as poor as last year.
It was embarrassing.
Jim Schwartz runs a heavy DL scheme. Gap integrity and pressure. A guy like Tomlinson will allow a 3 tech guy like Winfrey to penetrate. Myles can play to either side and work favorable match-ups.
I think we fall victim to just watching Myles and not the rest of the DL. It is a unit. They should play together. How the unit plays affects all aspects of the defense. That is why all the off season changes and additions to the defense.
I hope we sign Al Woods. That will allow a consistent rotation of at least one run stuffer. We can rotate on down and distance and change calls.
Somehow it seems that on plays where the call is to rush the passer he thinks Myles should be in position to stop the run at the same time. Physics dictates that's impossible.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Adding to Vers, Bone, and your comments about Miles.
- there was a chart on here for DE efficiency during the season Miles’s charting was ridiculously better than others in the league, especially with being double teamed and I think his winning percentage off of that was crazy good.
- the dude is in DPOTY talk every year WHILE: coming back from COVID and using O2 after series to be able to breathe, two years ago I think he was playing with a bad groin injury to finish the season. Last year dude rolled a car, came back two weeks later(?) and played despite a shoulder injury and visible weakness when trying to grab the ball carriers.
It’s like watching prime Lebron James playing with a team of scrubs. Dude is out there doing all he can for the team and his body taking a beating…but he’s still on that court playing. I am not about to complain, because his 3pt percentage is subpar/average or because he throws a few passes away. He’s not the issue, the issue is the talent of his supporting cast around him.
Now off the field, his interviews…I will criticize that, lol.
Miles is the current Joe Thomas of our time when he was playing. An elite player on our team, and every so often a few would criticize something about him. And look what we all are now saying about JT - HOF and one of the best there ever was.
Myles is an elite talent no question. That's why we needed to get a player on the other side whom the O has to worry about so Myles can be even more effective. I think we got that player in Ogbo.
Crap like this happens multiple times per game/every single game. And often, they happen with double teams doing it on Myles. Right in front of the refs.
It's actually been a real thing since 95 entered the league.
Crap like this happens multiple times per game/every single game. And often, they happen with double teams doing it on Myles. Right in front of the refs.
It's actually been a real thing since 95 entered the league.
What CLE games have you been watching?
I haven't missed watching a Browns game since I don't know when. I see the BS non-calls on Myles. I see the double-teams. I see that the guy is a stud and a freak of nature. I see a guy who is clearly more interested in the sack than anything else. I rarely see the guy make a game changing play...let alone a series-ending play. He's essentially a pass-rushing specialist...I simply expect more from a perennial DPOY candidate.
Just a thought. I wonder if that helmet incident has the ref's showing some animosity towards MG. Let's face it, we are the Cleveland Browns!!!
I've got a great set-up in my office. (9) TVs...we watch up to (6) games at a time (4 DTV and 2 antennae)...lots of Browns and non-Browns fans attend regularly. Even the regular, non-Browns fans comment frequently on how the team gets the shaft at an amazing pace. The comment after a good-great Browns play is often "Wait for it!" They notice the BS calls on Myles as well.
Note: giving Cleveland, the state of ohio sports teams, or the Browns specifically,, giving them a raw deal did NOT start with the Myles Garrett helmet and Pittsburgh back up @uarterback incident, and largely has nothing to do with it since then. They've always given Ohio sports teams and the Browns and Cleveland a raw deal, and it continues.
Can Deshaun Watson play better for the Browns, than Baker Mayfield would have? ... Now the Games count.
I find it difficult to believe anyone on the team actually told Terry they thought he was "slipping in speed". At most they may say they have no intention of signing him, but I doubt they give any details.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
I don't always agree with Terry's position, but I've never known him to make something up.
I think that he said what we were all thinking anyways.
My problem is understanding the resaons why, because he has hardly been over used while with he was with us and he is only 27 ... so I think that some of his injuries and his running style might have prematurely effected his loss of burst.
Well, if he didn't lose a step, he lost something.
I liked the guy, and he may still have something, but GM's know what is going on with backs. They have about 5-6 good years. There aren't many Fred Taylors or Water Peytons who just keep on going.
It's why I keep saying that we probably won't sign Chubb to another contract. Maybe extend him a year. Backs are like tires. You might buy 60,000 mile tires, but after 45,000, you are bouncing all over the road. You don't want to keep driving them until that blowout on I 75* or you bounce in to a ditch on some back road.
* Call it whatever interstate you run the most. For me it is I 75. Call it 71, 40, 10, 59...whatever
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Brad Stainbrook posted something about Newsome wanting out, then had to retract after Newsome publicly said no, he didn't want one. Stainbrook apologized saying he didn't know why his sources told him otherwise.
I think something is there but it might not that bad at this point. Rosenhaus flying to Cleveland just after signing Newsome is interesting.
At DT, context and meaning are a scarecrow kicking at moving goalposts.
My opinion is since there seems to be no real interest in Hunt league wide that speaks for itself. And you are certainly correct in the average expectancy of an NFL RB performing at peak production being short.
If it were just the Browns not deciding to re-sign him and others in the league pursuing him my opinion may be different. But what we are seeing makes it very hard for anyone to make the argument he is still as good as he once was. Well, almost anyone.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
It makes sense to me that a player would want to know what his role will be in a new system. Somehow I think some reporting this read more into it than that.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
I love hunt, but he has been an ok player the last two years... his 2020 season was on fire... he's been solid, but I can appreciate if we want to move on and find younger talent...
Hunt might have lost some speed, but the main reason for moving on from Hunt is to give the other RBs an opportunity to prove themselves, especially Ford and Felton.
Hunt might have lost some speed, but the main reason for moving on from Hunt is to give the other RBs an opportunity to prove themselves, especially Ford and Felton.
That could be it. I am no football strategist or analyst, but watching the last 2 years, he seems to have a lot of carries that end up as TFL or 1-2 yd gains. I watch all from TV so it is hard to really know the issue. Hopefully his replacements can handle Hunt's duties well.
The lack of interest in Hunt is a very telling and accurate Example of how much the league is very much a passing league. Want to get to the SB. Throw the ball well downfield. For years and years all we heard we how the Browns had The best RB tandem in the NFL. Well how far did that get the Browns .?nowhere. No division titles. Hunt will land somewhere. But it make take a injury. It's better to have a loaded WR room than a RB room. I think Berry finally got the memo
I think you touched on part of the reason but not quite all of it. Yes the NFL has become much more of a passing league. Yet at the same time you must be able to run the ball to keep the opposing defense on its heels to some extent. You can't simply allow them to sit back and ignore defending the run.
But what happens is that when you have a great QB and a very proficient passing game, you don't need someone like Nick Chubb to successfully run the ball. The opposing defense will still play pass heavy defense yet still have to account for the run. You do however still need a RB with a solid skill set and ability to be productive. If Hunt hadn't lost a step his services would still garner a lot of attention. He would still be sought after. It's not as though he would be cost prohibitive.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Andrew Berry might want to start drafting mature DTs for The foreseeable future. Berry might be OK at contract extensions Trades etc but he really cannot draft to save his life.
It doesn't sound all that serious, BUT...the guy seems to always have something....like he follows trouble around.
The guy might have potential, but he might be more trouble than it is worth. At this point I wouldn't count on him for anything.
If we were starting to think we might be OK at DT, we might want to revisit that thought. Some of these guys have all the physical traits in the world, but so does a gorilla. They have brains, but just aren't all that smart.
There comes a point where you might just want to say "Good Luck".
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I was hoping Winfrey had matured and that was the reason we haven't signed another starting DT. I'll wait for more info, but given what happened last year......
There is a reason he dropped in the draft. So he was a crap shoot.
In his defense it appears he grabbed the woman and probably left bruises on her arm - probably someone looking for a pay day. Guy has to understand how strong he is we will see where this goes hopefully no suspensions involved.
Defense wins championships. Watson play your butt off! Go Browns! CHRIST HAS RISEN! GM Strong! & Stay safe everyone!
I read something about the girl being someone he was dating. That is all I heard about that. Could be a HS sweetheart he has dated for years, could be a 1st or 2nd date or anything in between. I think I saw/heard this somewhere other than the article link I posted below but not exactly sure. I only posted the headline because the actual article requiresa subscription and I do not have one. Interestedly, the title of this article suggests that it night be a girl he previously dated but is not currently. What I saw did not give me that impression at all.
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yet he has to have Robin(s) to be Batman. I don't read that for Watt, Bosa, Hendrickson et al...those being three guys off the top of my head who impact the game much more than does Myles.
