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5 players who Browns need to be great in 2019

By William Schneiderhan

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 30: New York Giants outside linebacker Olivier Vernon (54) during the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 30: New York Giants outside linebacker Olivier Vernon (54) during the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on December 30, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle Sheldon Richardson (93) during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle Sheldon Richardson (93) during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 24-17.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Sheldon Richardson, Defensive tackle

The Browns surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards, 2,163, in 2018. They also allowed 20 rushing scores, which was the second-highest mark in the NFL.

In an attempt to counteract that from happening this upcoming season, Dorsey went out and landed Sheldon Richardson in free agency. Richardson, a defensive tackle, signed a three-year contract worth $37 million.

Throughout his career, Richardson has been known to be somewhat of a headcase. That’s what essentially ran him out of town in New York. Since being traded from the Jets, he played with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 and the Minnesota Vikings last season.

Richardson was known as a game-wrecking, pressure applying defensive lineman during his days in New York. He had a sub-par season with the Seahawks at defensive tackle in 2017, but played much better at that position with the Vikings this past campaign.

Dorsey brought Richardson in to stop the run and send pressure up the middle. He now needs to take on some double teams to free up Garrett and Vernon and create gaps for rushing linebackers and safeties.

Richardson is such an integral part to this team for those reasons and if he under performs the Browns may be in big trouble. But, if he carries out the tasks said above, the Browns will have one of the better defensive lines in football and help eliminate a large chunk of those defensive woes that the team dealt with in 2018.

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