3 defensive players whose stock fell within the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns saw these three defensive players post a bad game.

The Cleveland Browns got through their first preseason game with only one major injury in Nick Harris. The young center is done for the year, and the offensive line is going to be in flux. The Browns’ defensive line is no better off, and they don’t have the excuse of a young player getting hurt to lean on.

Not only did the Browns’ defensive tackles look like trash, but so did a lot of the linebackers. The Browns’ first-team defense as a whole was not impressive and it was not hard to see who the culprits were.

So let’s talk about whose stock fell considerably after the Jaguars game, because the first week of cuts is upon us in a matter of hours, and one of these names could be on that list.

Three defensive players whose stock fell

Jacob Phillips

Do you know those tests where you get 20% of your grade by putting your name on them? Jacob Phillips is the kid in class who forgets to put his name down. Well, the football equivalent of that. How the hell do you play that badly when you’re that close to where the ball carrier is? The fine folks at the Chris Collinsworth-owned PFF gave Phillips a 28.3. I think that’s too kind.

Sione Takitaki

Speaking of missing things, pop quiz, who missed more things on Friday; a dementia-riddled retiree looking for his keys (that are in his hand), or Sione Takitaki with tackles? The fact this question exists should tell you how awful Takitaki has been. Takitaki posted a PFF grade of 29.3 for his performance but the good news for Takitaki is it’s very likely he or Phillips (but not both) will be cut. So as long as Takitaki lives up to the old monster movie adage of “I don’t need to outrun them, I just need to outrun you”, he should be fine.

Jordan Elliot

I’m concerned by the game coverage we’re getting. The Jaguars’ defense literally let Jordan Elliot go wherever he wanted because they knew he’d over-pursue and take himself out of the play. He did that. Every time. Yet, the announcers were glad-handing him as if he was Aaron Donald. He took himself out of every play and made it easier for the Jags to move the ball. He’s bad. At least Tommy Togiai sat in the gaps. Well, fell in the gaps, but he still did his job.