Cleveland Browns' Front Seven Is Going To Make Some Noise In 2017

Improvements this offseason has been evident on defense for the Cleveland Browns and that will benefit them later this fall.

It is already starting to appear that the second season with the current Cleveland Browns regime will be better for everyone. Of course though, that is no sure thing yet as it is just the beginning of the offseason.

First, Cleveland made the necessary change in replacing defensive coordinator Ray Horton with Gregg Williams as the new coordinator. Williams does not and will not run a specific type of defense.

Instead, he has 42 different defensive schemes! That bodes well with the versatility and numerous options Cleveland should show during the 2017 season. Now, Jamie Collins is on the verge of staying in NE Ohio on a contract worth more money per year than Carolina Panthers’ Luke Kuechly.

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Pieces are coming along on defense and it will be just a matter of time before they are one of the better units in the NFL. Recently, FoS’ Evan Hablitzel discussed Colllins’ role on defense this fall and how Collins and company should do better despite the poor rankings last season.

Even though Cleveland did not rank high in key categories in 2016, that does not mean such poor execution will continue. I mean just look at who the Browns’ front seven should be.

In addition to Collins, Christian Kirksey, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Danny Shelton will all continue to be a force. In addition, one or two of the spots will go to the following players: Desmond Bryant, Carl Nassib, Nate Orchard, and Demario Davis.

Now, those last four at the very least will provide depth. With two of the first 12 picks in the spring, Cleveland is likely to select Texas A&M star Myles Garrett first. Their other first rounder could go to Stanford’s Solomon Thomas or Tennessee’s Derek Barnett.

The possibilities are endless. A number of those players mentioned above should shine in Williams’ different looks thanks to their respective athleticism and versatility.

As high as the optimism is, significant changes and improvements must be made in their secondary. The front seven can dominate as much as they can, but without even decent play in Cleveland’s secondary, it will be tough to consistently succeed.

Next: Is Watson Cleveland's QB Preference?

There is talent on defense, along with building blocks the Browns can rely on. Plenty of excitement, at least on paper is evident. However, how they go about improving the secondary will ultimately determine Cleveland’s success on defense.

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Cleveland Browns’ Front Seven Is Going To Make Some Noise In 2017

By Ryan Rosko | Jan 21, 2017

Improvements this offseason has been evident on defense for the Cleveland Browns and that will benefit them later this fall.

More from Factory of Sadness