Fansided

Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BEREA, OH – MAY 30, 2019: Cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns watches 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: Cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns watches 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) /

23. Cleveland Browns

2018 Review: In his second year with the franchise, coordinator Gregg Williams (who wound up the interim head coach by midseason) saw his unit make a big impression. While only two teams in the league gave up more total yards per game and only four clubs were more generous in terms of rushing yards allowed, the club finished second in the NFL with 31 takeaways – five more than the Browns combined for (26) the previous two years. Second-year pro Myles Garrett rolled up 13.5 sacks and linebacker Jamie Collins led the team with 104 stops.

2019 Key Additions: Steve Wilks is the new defensive coordinator and GM John Dorsey gave him quite the present with the signing of interior presence Sheldon Richardson. The club used five of its seven selections in April on this side of the ball, including a second-round pick on cornerback Greedy Williams. Pass-rusher Olivier Vernon comes over from the Giants via trade and it will be fascinating to see the effect he has on the emerging Garrett.

Analysis: While the Cleveland offense has gotten plenty of attention this offseason, the team did add some intriguing pieces to this side of the ball. But are they enough to make a major difference? The Browns relied heavily on takeaways this past season and sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way. The defensive line could be exceptional with Garrett, Richardson and Vernon leading the way. The club must improve against the run.

Next: No. 22

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