Cleveland Browns: Final roster prediction comes with a few surprises
By Caleb Baum
Defensive Line (9)
This position group needs to be the strength of the team. This position group will be the strength of the team.
Myles Garrett is the All-World force that will lead the attack against opposing quarterbacks and running backs. Garrett has come into the season with less body fat and is now allowed to use the spin move — which can only scare offensive tackles even more. Myles Garrett is my prediction to win Defensive Player of the Year and to lead the league in sacks.
The biggest reason I think Myles Garrett can make a huge jump this year — the addition of Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson. Those three, and Larry Ogunjobi will be a nightmare for any offensive line. All four can rush the passer and can stop the run.
And guess what? You can’t double team them all.
Trevon Coley, Devaroe Lawrence, and Carl Davis all provide good depth along the interior defensive line.
Last year, Chris Smith proved that he is a more than capable pass rusher and pretty good against he run. Having his as our 3rd/4th outside pass rusher is an absolute blessing.
The final defensive line spot will come down to Anthony Zettel or Chad Thomas. I prefer Zettel. Zettel is a veteran who is consistent and can be effective in the right spots. Thomas is a perennial inactive and has real maturity issues. Give me the consistent veteran over the unproven immature kid if we are making a Super Bowl run.
PREDICTION: Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson, Chris Smith, Trevon Coley, Devaroe Lawrence, Anthony Zettel, Carl Davis