Grading the Cleveland Browns signings of Maurice Hurst, Juan Thornhill and Trysten Hill
By Chad Porto
The Cleveland Browns are addressing their needs on defense but are the new signings that much of an improvement?
The Cleveland Browns are tackling their needs on defense this offseason. The Browns came into the free agent portion of the new year needing help at defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, and safety. So far the Browns have signed four defensive linemen and one safety while re-signing Sione Takitaki.
While none of the moves can be seen as top-tier signings, as each player lacks something, they all come in representing perceived upgrades over the players already on the roster. The moves are also showing the Browns focusing more on improving the pass rush of the front four above all else, a move that may help to generate more pressure and sacks on opposing quarterbacks.
The moves, however, leave something to be desired, as every player the Browns have brought in to shore up the front four have issues stopping the run. Since the Browns were bottom 10 in that area, one would think that Andrew Berry would be focusing on filling that need as well, but through Thursday, the team has yet to bring in one player who is actively still a threat against the run.
That may change come the draft. This is a long off-season process and the Browns aren’t likely to be done adding players anytime soon. If the Browns can bring in a few run-stoppers at defensive tackle, end, and linebacker, then the team’s overall grade for the offseason will be much higher when it’s all said and done.
Right now, though, the team isn’t focused on that. We can only grade guys based on the team’s needs, history, and expectations, so this round of free agents didn’t fare too well.