Allowing a league high 141.6 rushing yards per game, the Cleveland Browns had the worst run defense in the NFL for the 2014 season. While the Browns have many different issues across their roster, their struggles against the run were a major reason for their disappointing last place finish in the AFC North.
Run defense has been an issue in Cleveland for a long time. In his most recent mock draft, Rob Rang of CBS Sports states that the Browns: “Have allowed more than 2,000 rushing yards in 14 of the past 16 seasons.”
To put that into perspective, only six allowed more than 2,000 yards on the ground last season. It is time for the Browns to fix their run defense issues.
More from Cleveland Browns
- Cleveland Browns have built a formidable defensive line
- Ranking the 5 best NFL uniform changes for the 2023 season
- 2023 NFL Season: Evaluation 3 darkhorse MVP candidates
- Stop sleeping on Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns
- NFL: Predicting the top 5 running attacks for the 2023 season
In Rang’s mock draft, he has the Browns selecting defensive tackle Malcom Brown with their 19th overall pick to help with their issues against the run. Obviously, it will depend on who is available, but Brown seems like a rock-solid pick for Cleveland.
Part of the reason that the Browns struggled so much against the run last season was their complete lack of size up front. If nothing else, at 6-foot-2, 319 pounds, gives them plenty of beef.
Brown also moves very well for a man of his size. He shows quick feet, and was usually the fastest player off the snap while playing in college. He is a very explosive defensive lineman, who has not only shown the ability to eat up blockers, but can penetrate through the line of scrimmage and cause problems for the offense in the backfield.
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) sacks UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17)during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Simply put, Brown is one of the best run defenders from the defensive line position in this draft, but that is not all. He can rush the passer as well.
Brown shows natural movement abilities, coupled with his quick starts off the snap that allow him to get pressure on the quarterback. Brown also shows an impressive array of pass rush moves for a man of his size, and does a very nice job of getting his hands up in the passing lanes and batting the ball down.
Most scouts believe that Brown is still a little bit of a developmental talent. His physical tools should allow him to be a productive player from the start, but there appears to be some untapped potential in his skill set. Brown shows a nice combination of power and speed that could become downright scary if he develops well at the next level.
With very few reliable options up front, the Browns could really use a defensive lineman with some versatility. Another reason why Brown would be a great fit in Clevleand. He has enough size to play the nose tackle position, and plenty of athleticism to handle the five-technique as well.
Cleveland needs to add players who will help them stop the run. Very few defensive lineman in this draft will impact the run game the way that Brown does.
With a great combination of power and speed, to go along with his versatility and expected room for improvement, the Browns would be very wise to consider Brown with the 19th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Next: Browns Should Target DeVante Parker
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens