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January 6, 2015Over the next many weeks, I will be reviewing and discussing the performance of the 2014 Cleveland Browns position by position. It was a tough season for the Cleveland Browns, falling in five straight games to end the season at 7-9. The team showed some glimpses of promise and some other areas of concern. So lets get to it, starting with the defensive line.
Coming into the 2014 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns defensive line was touted as a strength by many, including me. But as the season went on, it became clear that it was actually one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. Injuries throughout the season was a factor in the below average play, but an overall lack of talent was the biggest reason for one of the Browns’ biggest weaknesses. The team went through a lot of players on the defensive line because of the injuries, but never really could find a good group who could produce on a consistent basis.
So let’s take a look at the individuals who made up the defensive line for the 2014 Cleveland Browns.
Desmond Bryant
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When healthy and at the top of his game, Desmond Bryant is the best defensive lineman for the Browns. But in 2014, Bryant was inconsistent throughout the season. He had 25 solo tackles, 49 combined tackles, six sacks, three quarterback hits, and 21 quarterback hurries over 15 games this season. His size and athleticism are a special combination that can help him be a huge disrupter on the defensive line. Of all the Browns’ defensive linemen, Bryant is the best pass rusher of the bunch and showed that leading the line in sacks. Some of the inconsistency came from nagging injuries he dealt with for most of the season.
Desmond Bryant has size and ability to be the best defensive lineman on the team and a major playmaker for the defense. But he must play more consistently through all 16 games. He will be looked upon next year as a starting defensive end and a major contributor on the defensive line.
2014 Grade: C
2015 Outlook: Starting Defensive End; Major Contributor
John Hughes
John Hughes, even in his limited action, was probably the most consistent defensive lineman the Browns have at the position. The defensive end was only able to play in five total games this season, posting 14 solo tackles, 17 combined tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit, and four quarterback hurries. He was a solid performer in both pass rushing and run defense. He is a versatile lineman who can play pretty much anywhere on the line because of his good size and length. He uses his size and length to ride blocks and then get off of them to make a play. Hughes was the only defensive lineman for the Browns who received a cumulative positive grade by ProFootballFocus.com (+5.2).
I believe Hughes is a starting caliber defensive end for the Browns, given more snaps and his ability to stay healthy. If he can stay healthy, he can be a good starter for the Browns or at the very least a consistent contributor in a rotation.
2014 Grade: B
2015 Outlook: Starting defensive end; Consistent contributor
Armonty Bryant
Armonty Bryant is one of the young up-and-comers for the Browns’ defense, showing promise in limited action this season. In the 2014 season, he played in only five games before a season-ending injury, notching five solo tackles, 11 combined tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hits, and a quarterback hurry. Bryant is a speed rusher at the defensive end spot, using his athleticism to get past his blocker. Because of his smaller size and strength, he can often times get stuck on blocks and not be able to disengage. His athleticism makes him a unique player for the Browns’ defensive line. But his injury really stunted his development, leaving many wondering what he can become in a full season.
Bryant will be an interesting player to follow next season. He has the ability to be a playmaker for the defensive line if he can stay healthy and continue to develop. He gives the team a young player who can add depth to the line and possibly develop into a full time starter.
2014 Grade: C+
2015 Outlook: Backup defensive end; Situational contributor/develop into solid contributor
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor was also very inconsistent during his injury-shortened season. In the 2014 season, Taylor only played in five games notching nine solo tackles, 10 combined tackles, and one quarterback hit. The defensive lineman is a versatile player who can play in any position on the line. He played a lot of the season at the defensive end position, but he might be better suited at the nose tackle spot over the center. He is a strong big man who can wreck havoc in the backfield, but is a lot of the times out of position and not in a spot to make a play. Taylor played below average for the first four games of the season, but when he came back for one game in week 10, he had a great game versus the Bengals.
Taylor will be a much talked about player this offseason. He is in line to make around $5.5 million next season, so he may be in line to be cut or traded. If the team decides to keep him, he will probably be a rotational lineman, especially if the Browns add players to the defensive line.
2014 Grade: C-
2015 Outlook: 60% chance to return; Defensive tackle/end rotational contributor
Billy Winn
Billy Winn was a solid rotational player for the Browns’ defensive line. This past season in 13 games, Winn posted 21 solo tackles, 31 combined tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits, and 13 quarterback hurries. He is a player who uses his quickness and size to get past blockers. He sometimes struggles to get off blocks, especially from bigger offensive linemen. He played all over the line this season, even playing at the nose tackle spot.
His versatility makes him a valuable backup for the Browns. He is not a starting caliber defensive lineman, but he can definitely be a solid backup, who can be a rotational contributor.
2014 Grade: C
2015 Outlook: Backup; Rotational Contributor
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen is an average player who primarily played as a nose tackle. He had 16 solo tackles, 43 combined tackles, one quarterback hit, and two quarterback hurries in the 12 games he played this season. Kitchen is primarily a run defender and is limited in pass rushing. He a big, strong nose tackle who is more of gap filler rather than a player who can make a play in the backfield. He was a solid contributor this season after being thrust into an expanded role due to injuries.
Kitchen is a restricted free agent this offseason, so his future with the Browns is up in the air. I believe he will not be back because I think the team will look to fill his roster spot with linemen through the draft and free agency.
2014 Grade: C
2015 Outlook: RFA; Likely to leave in free agency
Ahtyba Rubin
Ahtyba Rubin was the biggest disappointment on the Browns’ defensive line. In the 13 games he played in during the 2014 season, he notched 23 solo tackles, 28 combined tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits, and five quarterback hurries. The defensive tackle lined up mostly over either guard or the center this season. Rubin struggled in both run defense and pass rushing all season. Prior to this season, he had been very productive in run defense, but this season he was horrible, grading out -9.6 from ProFootballFocus. He was unable to keep his ground or get solid penetration into the backfield all season, making him a big liability on the defensive line.
Rubin is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. I believe it is highly unlikely that he will back with the Browns next season. The Browns will most likely look to go in another direction.
2014 Grade: F
2015 Outlook: UFA; Highly likely to leave in free agency
Sione Fua
Sione Fua was a midseason pickup for the Browns to add more depth to the hobbled defensive line. In 11 games this season, Fua notched six solo tackles, 12 combined tackles, and one quarterback hurry. Fua was exposed in his expanded role this season, proving that he is not a consistent contributor. The defensive end does not have great size or athletic ability, so he struggles to make any ground on his blockers.
Fua is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He was a midseason pickup who really didn’t show that much to warrant a return next season. He will likely be looking for a job somewhere else next year.
2014 grade: D
2015 Outlook: UFA; Likely to leave in free agency
Other Defensive Linemen on the Roster with too little playing time: Jamie Meder, Christian Tupou, Jacobbi McDaniel, Calvin Barnett
Overview and Outlook to 2015
The Cleveland Browns’ defensive line was quite frankly horrible this season. The highest grade I gave was to John Hughes and he was only able to play in five games this season. That shows how lackluster the group was this year. There was no consistent push or penetration from the unit all year. This greatly diminished the overall defense and their ability to disrupt what the opposing offense was doing. Injuries had something to do with the below average play, but was definitely not the main reason.
The linebacker and secondary units were put into a tougher spot because of the lack of a front line. The defensive line was unable to get a pass rush, forcing the linebackers to make most of the pressure and the secondary to have to cover longer. Because of the struggling defensive line, the Browns especially struggled in defending the run. The defensive line was unable to stand their ground against the opposing offensive line, making a big hole in the run defense. There is no chance to stop a running game without getting good play out of your defensive line.
This offseason the Browns will need to greatly upgrade their defensive line. I believe the Browns need at least two or three new linemen to turn around the struggling unit. The biggest need on the line is a nose tackle or 0 technique defensive lineman. The inability to defend the middle of the line is key to the success of the line. Some of the options in the free agency are Ndamukong Suh of the Detriot Lions and Dan Williams of the Arizona Cardinals. In the draft, Danny Shelton of Washington and Eddie Goldman of Florida State are some options, too.
The Browns will also need to get a pass rushing defensive end who can put pressure on the quarterback. The defensive line does not have a true pass rusher on the roster, except for Armonty Bryant, who is still developing. Putting pressure on the quarterback will be huge for the defense and will help the entire defense improve. An option to fill this need in free agency is Jerry Hughes of Buffalo. In the draft, Shane Ray of Missouri is a possibility, too.
Overall depth will be big for the Browns to add also. The team needs to have a good rotation of players so that injuries like this year will not completely destroy the unit. But you can take it to the bank now, the Browns will do a lot of work this offseason in fixing the defensive line.
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All stats have come from ProFootballFocus.com, except for the combined tackles totals, which came from ESPN.com
11 Comments
Sign Suh as a FA this unit needs an upgrade. I’ll take his drama instead of having others step on Browns at least the Browns will have someone who steps on opponents.
Des Bryant – he seemed to have an issue with gap integrity too, no? He (like Kruger) seemed so focused on getting to the QB at times that he would just ignore the possibility that teams might actually run the ball.
Hughes – not a huge fan of him being a starting DE, but I completely agree that he was our most consistent guy. Good in the run game and able to take on blockers at the point of attack.
A.Bryant – plays a bunch like Des, but didn’t seem to have the strength to take on blockers at times and would get moved. hopefully, he can work on that (not sure if truly strength or if it was technique to be honest).
P.Taylor – I don’t think we’d cut him. Put him at NT and have guys ready for if/when he gets hurt. Our run defense was noticeably different with him in the game at NT and I think his ability to force a double-team was the biggest reason there even if that didn’t help his statistical output.
Winn – Agree. He’s nothing special, but he’s a good guy to have to rotate in and many teams would love to have him as a backup.
Kitchen – Coming back largely depends on what we do with the other DL and if any other team really likes him. If someone offers him Phil Taylor money, I doubt we’d match. But, he’s a good guy to have as a backup NT especially with Taylor’s injury history.
Rubin – I am going to fondly remember his better days in a Brown’s uniform and wish him luck elsewhere (and hope he doesn’t stay in the AFC-N just so I don’t ever have to root against him). One more Attaboy Rubin for old time’s sake.
Fua – Agreed, he’s a goner.
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McDaniel – surprised he got so little playing time. Sure, it was preseason and against roster fodder, but he seemed to have something in pre-season games. I assume he couldn’t replicate it against the better starting quality competition in practice.
It’s depressing when Hughes (who everyone destroyed when drafted) was the most consistent option given all of the talent and salary on that line.
Good work, Joe.
I’m with you on Hughes – good rotation guy, not starter caliber. On Kitchen, I hope we let him walk. He was a disaster against the run and wasn’t much better against the pass. From a free agency standpoint a lot of people will talk about Suh, but big FA deals like the one he’ll command rarely work out well. I’d rather try to get a guy like Terrance Knighton from Denver.
If we throw crazy money at any defender, then it better be Justin Houston. But, I doubt we do it especially because there are a ton of good OLB to go after in this FA class (goodbye Sheard, hello Reed, Orakpo, Acho, or Hughes).
I think Knighton will come with a hefty price tag as well. If we didn’t already have the Bryants, then I would have loved to give a guy like Fairley a chance.
Guys who might not command the big $$$ that I would go after (in order):
Jared Odrick (Miami)
Leger Douzable (NYJ) – good + sameD + lost Rex
Kenrick Ellis (NYJ) – ditto
Karl Klug (Tenn)
Heck, if we want to get the Jets best young DL, then we throw a bunch of money at Harrison and hope that the Jets don’t match. He’s a RFA and I think they match any reasonable deal though.
Disappointing year as this unit really held back the defense as a whole. A competent D-line in front of our back 7 (8?) would have been a top 10 defense. A very good D line makes our unit elite.
Blame the D-line coach? O’neill? Personnel was the same as last year and the line clearly regressed. And we actually stuck with the 3-4 so that excuse is out the window.
Most of these guys (Taylor, sheard, Winn, Hughes) were Heckert guys and picked to play in a 4-3. which explains the lack of a true nose. I have to think Farmer will turn this unit inside out for that reason and that its poor play this year only makes it that more of a no brainier.
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I am dying of curiosity… hopefully the crew here can help me out.
I have been logging on to Pro Football Focus most of the season, and last season as well, as I am always curious to see what they have to say. That being said, I am not a paid subscriber so I get the bare bones, so to speak. How in-depth does it get when it comes to paying for their services? I did the free trial and was able to access the 2007(?) stats. While I love a spreadsheet as much as the next guy, it didn’t do much in the line of analysis or explanation.
While they go in-depth explaining their grading scale (-2 through 2 for each play, with 0 being average), and all the things they consider (run blocking for tight ends for example, rather than raw receiving analysis, which is refreshing). I guess I am just curious about the transparency of their process…through a paid subscription I suppose.
I think the meteoric rise of PFF has been so interesting. Commentators are referencing it, as well as sports bloggers and casual fans. As I mentioned, I do check their Previews and ReFo’s on a weekly basis…but I guess I am not wholly sold on using it. When I read the posts, they are typically marred with spelling errors and grammar issues and the like. I can certainly understand one here and there, but it seems like they are really prevalent over there. I know they are more ‘evaluators’ (I know, not a word) than ‘journalists’ but I guess that really bugs me, particularly as a site that has many average folks thinking they can GM a franchise.
Anyways, not trying to buck any sort of trend here, I guess was just curious if there was any one here at WFNY who has a subscription and can perhaps shed some light on what some of the site’s ‘premium content’ presentation. Sorry for the stream-of-conscientiousness here!
I say we get Suh at whatever it costs and have a front line of Suh, Taylor and Des Bryant with Winn, Hughes and A. Bryant as backups. Also look at Drafting Oatman, he looks to be a freak!!!
Didn’t realize that Houston will be an FA. He would be an amazing get (but again see point about big contracts rarely paying out).
I wasn’t sure how much money Knighton would command. It would be nice to add another playmaker at DL or LB though (beyond just a depth, add him to the pile guy). And that’s in addition to the fact that I’m guessing they’ll use one of the first-rounders on a front 7 guy too.
I dont think Suh is a realistic option. He wants to go to a big market. In all likelihood this is the same group with the exception of Rubin. I dont think you give up on Taylor. He was a number 1 pick. I would tender Kitchen. He is young wont cost that much and is a good clog in the middle. If Shelton drops to 12 take him. That solves a lot of problems short term and long term.