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5 bold predictions for Browns in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

BEREA, OH - MAY 30, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns directs a drill during an OTA practice on May 30, 2019 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by: 2019 Diamond Images via Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - MAY 30, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns directs a drill during an OTA practice on May 30, 2019 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by: 2019 Diamond Images via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants tries to tackle Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 28-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: Olivier Vernon #54 of the New York Giants tries to tackle Marlon Mack #25 of the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 28-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Olivier Vernon will have more sacks than Myles Garrett

Vernon certainly isn’t the biggest acquisition the Browns made this offseason, but he will end up being one of the most important. Putting him on the other side of Myles Garrett on the defensive line is going to significantly upgrade this team’s pass rush.

With all due respect to Vernon, he’s nowhere near the disruptive force that Garrett is at this point in their respective careers. Opposing offensive coordinators certainly realize that. Garrett is going to get double teamed an awful lot. That means Vernon is going to get a ton of snaps one-on-one against tackles on the other side.

The veteran still has enough juice to be really productive under those circumstances. He did manage to notch seven sacks in just 11 games for a Giants defense that was pretty mediocre last year. Expecting him to increase that total for a Browns team that should be playing with the lead a lot certainly isn’t a bold prediction.

The boldness here is in calling for Vernon to outproduce Garrett in the sack department. It’s going to be close, but don’t be surprised if the veteran eeks out a narrow win. Both guys could easily end up in double-digits, but Vernon has one more Pro Bowl season left in him at the very least.

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