Tackling the problems on Browns defense
By STEVE KING
The Browns signed a couple of free-agent defensive linemen the other day, tackle Sheldon Day and end Stephen Weatherly.
That’s all well and good, and I’m sure they’ll help, but their presence — if indeed they’re on the final roster, and I’m assuming that at least Day will be — won’t move the needle that much — not nearly enough, really. A lot more help is needed.
I’ve read — and heard — a lot that the Browns have an “elite” defense. I shake my head at that. I just don’t see it. Is it better than it was several years ago? Yes, but it’s not elite, and not even close to it.
Where the Browns need the most help is along the line, and of that group, the biggest hole is at tackle. They have a possible future Pro Football Hall of Fame end in Myles Garrett. He’s one of the very best in the game. But unless Jadeveon Clowney re-signs, there is no viable starter at the other end. And at tackle, there are — at best — only rotational players. They need a dominant force in at least one of the two spots.
You saw the games last season. How many times did you see the Browns get gashed by runs up the middle? Too many, right? That will happen again this year unless they do something about it in a big way — that is, use one of their top picks in next week’s NFL Draft on a tackle.
Do the Browns need wide receivers? Yes, so if they use their top pick — in the second round, at No. 44 overall — on a wideout, then no one could argue.
But if they use it on a defensive tackle, then no one could argue about that, either.
Football at all levels is a game of offense, sure, but if the Browns can’t stop the run, then their games will all turn into shootouts in which the last team with the ball will win. That’s a game of Russian roulette, and the odds of being successful are only 50-50, and even less than that if quarterback Deshaun Watson misses some games because of being suspended, which is a disr\tinct possibility.
So, then, put defensive tackle high on your Browns wish list, and while you’re at it, include defensive end, too.
April 20, 2022
Browns make roster moves
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have made the following transactions:
Signed (2):
DE Isaac Rochell
WR Javon Wims
Rochell, a Notre Dame product, comes to Cleveland after stints with the Los Angeles Chargers (2017-20) and most recently with the Indianapolis Colts (2021). Since he was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round (225th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, Rochell has appeared in 63 career games (nine starts) and accrued 86 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one interception. In 2021, Rochell saw action in 12 games, posting 17 tackles. He hails from McDonough, Ga.
Wims also entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (224th overall), selected by the Chicago Bears in 2018. He’s caught 28 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns in 33 career games (seven starts) for the Bears from 2018-20. He was waived by the Bears during final roster cuts last season and spent 2021 on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. A graduate of Georgia, Wims is a native of Jacksonville, Fla.
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