Where Are Browns Most Loaded? D-Line NFL's Best?
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The Cleveland Browns think they are loaded in the D-line ... and the critics seem to agree.
The Browns have the best defensive line in the NFL, according to rankings by Pro Football Focus. The best - and maybe getting better, as the unit improved this offseason on paper by signing Quinton Jefferson and selecting Michael Hall Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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"A unit led by the NFL's best defensive player in Myles Garrett, the Browns' defensive line terrorized opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines in 2023," PFF explained. "They brought back the productive pieces of the group, added pass-rush specialist Quinton Jefferson (73.2 pass-rush grade in 2023) and selected Michael Hall Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
"While the group was inconsistent against the run, no team was better at rushing the quarterback in 2023."
Due to how effective Cleveland was at disrupting passing attacks with their talented defensive line, PFF's praise seems justified. Other defensive lines ooze with potential, such as San Francisco, but the departure of Arik Armstead stings.
With Garrett leading the way, Cleveland's unit looks to be even better with help from newcomers Jefferson and Hall. The more pressure they can put on offensive lines, the easier life will be for Garrett to take advantage of matchups. The Browns' secondary should flourish as well.
Cleveland's defense is quality enough to have legit aspirations of winning the AFC North. Progress on the offensive side of the ball is paramount to reach those goals, though.
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