The Opening Drive 2/23: Browns Found Ideal Pass Rush Depth, and Beware of Rookie Offensive Lineman Volume
Depth at defensive end deserves praise and a look at why the Browns might be more aggressive in free agency up front than some think.
As we podcasted on the today’s podcast topic, I do think it is worth continuing to discuss how well the Browns have done creating depth around Myles Garrett at the EDGE position. It’s easy to talk about player development misses than it is to find those who hit and the Browns have found plenty of hits at this position when they really needed it.
Alex Wright, who they have extended, and Isaiah McGuire formed what seems to be the perfect EDGE pairing opposite Garrett. The duo are both run-first defenders who bring a more powerful pass rush approach when on the field during throwing downs combined last year for 898 snaps, 51 pressures, 10 sacks, 62 tackles, and 41 stop tackles. The pairing made for a more productive player than Za’Darius Smith and were essentially the best version of Jadeveon Clowney from 2021.
Lost somewhat in that shuffle is how well Cameron Thomas performed as the primary backup to Garrett. The former third-round pick had bounced around the league upon his trade from Arizona to Kansas City, who then cut him. The Browns acquired him in the middle of the 2024 season and he took off. His long arm move working through the chest of defenders was noteworthy all year.
13 pressures, four sacks, 20 tackles, and 8 stop tackles is nothing to scoff at. He’s clearly found an attacking scheme he fits and there is genuine talent here. This move against Baltimore, while rushing he lifts the outside arm of the Ravens lineman. It’s impressive. He can play.
The Browns needed to create cap-friendly deals across this roster given some other issues so the solutions at EDGE have been noteworthy. You have they can find a similar path at other positions this offseason.
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On the way out the door today I just quickly wanted to share with you some data about rookie offensive lineman and both the low volume, and the type of success you see when starting them in volume. The Browns will be entertaining this idea in 2026 due to their roster turnover at the position and most will have them slated to select three or four lineman in the coming draft — even going so far as taking two offensive tackles in the first round.
As our Founding Member RJ noted to me in Slack, the numbers don’t support this being a pathway chose often and one that does not yield a high amount of success.
When we consider those mock drafts and what the Browns will do in free agency, do not skip the data above. While we never put anything past the Browns historically, we’ve all been burned too many times, it would not be well supported for the Browns to be starting three or more rookies at a high volume this year. The results have been poor.
However, they might not have a choice. We will see how aggressive they are in getting another year out of Joel Bitonio and how aggressive they are pursuing other solutions before late April’s draft.
Browns Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content tomorrow.
Just looking at the rep of the right guard (faalele) against mason. How is this rep graded according to PFF? is this a negative grade it seems he is passing along the block to Tyler L. Does something like this affects a person grade for example does this count as a pass rush win for mason.