Cleveland Browns: 3 defensive players who could have big years
By Chad Porto
Mack Wilson
Mack Wilson is the strongest option to come out of the Browns training camp as a starter. While he’s competing with B.J. Goodson, Sione Takitaki, and rookie Jacob Phillips for spot, Wilson is the only returning starter from the 2019 season, and while he still has to earn his place he’s expected to do just that.
Wilson may be the team’s new starter in the middle, replacing Pro Bowler Joe Schobert. Wilson may not be as good in coverage as Schobert was, but he’s going to have every opportunity to make his mark in the defense. All he has to do is match his predecessor’s aggressiveness in facing opposing offenses.
What may help him is an improved and healthy defensive line. A mostly improved defensively line that is. Yes, losing Andrew Billings hurt and it hurt bad. That said the Browns still drafted rookie Jordan Elliot in the third round and he’s going to see snaps, especially if Sheldon Richardson stumbles again in 2020 as he did in 2019.
Wilson’s presence and consistency will need to be felt right off the bat for this team to have any chance at all in succeeding. If the secondary is better behind him and the defensive line is better ahead of him, then Wilson will have a huge season.