Cleveland Browns: If…And…But for 2015

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Danny Shelton (Washington) poses for a photo after being selected as the number 12th overall pick to the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

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The Cleveland defense can become a better overall unit. In 2013, the Browns finished ninth in the league in terms of fewest total yards allowed. The team also ranked a somewhat-respectable 18th in the NFL against the run.

While many expected bigger and better things this past season under new head coach Mike Pettine, it wasn’t meant to be. The club finished 23rd in total defense and gave up the most rushing yards in the league. While the Browns were among the league leaders with 29 takeaways, a disappointing pass rush racked up a mere 31 sacks.

Still, this is a unit with talent and one that should be much better against the run with rookie nose tackle Danny Shelton in the lineup. The first-round pick from the University of Washington will team with defensive end Desmond Bryant and free-agent pickup Randy Starks on a new-look front seven.

The Cleveland secondary also looks better these days via the addition of veteran cornerback Tramon Williams, , who should provide some tutoring for 2014 first-round pick Justin Gilbert. Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and safeties Tashaun Gipson (second in the NFL with 6 interceptions in 2014) and veteran Donte Whitner make up a formidable secondary.

Next: Consistently Inconsistent