Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

5 Rookies Who Should Start For The Cleveland Browns In 2017

By Nick Dudukovich

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Caleb Brantley, DT

Caleb Brantley‘s starting spot on the team comes with one huge condition: He hangs around long enough to make the team.

The Browns drafted Brantley in the sixth round. He has been charged with misdemeanor battering for allegedly punching a woman in a Gainesville, Fla. bar. Cleveland thought enough of his talent to take a sixth-round flyer on Brantley, who some had projected as a first-round pick in various parts of the pre-draft season.

Sashi Brown said the team is still investigating Brantley, and acknowledged they may have to cut him, so his future is in doubt. But if he makes it to camp, there’s no reason to believe he can’t get on the field right away.

Brantley is quick, which makes him an ideal fit as a three-technique defensive tackle in Gregg Williams’ 4-3 base defense, where he’d play along side Danny Shelton, with Emmanuel Ogbah and Myles Garrett on the ends. Jamie Meder, as well as fellow rookie Larry Ojungobi will also be in the mix on the interior. His presence can help Cleveland keep fresh legs on the field.

Brantley had 23 pressures and 23 run stops in each of his final two seasons with the Gators, according to Pro Football Focus.

His presence could dramatically improve a Browns defense that has struggled against the run in recent years. His size, speed and quickness will force ball carriers to change direction, which will help Ogbah, Garrett and the linebackers eat them up.

Home/Cleveland Browns