The Cleveland Browns boast one of the league’s most disruptive front sevens, but, General Manager Andrew Berry might not be done fortifying the defensive line.
Last season, Myles Garrett finished tied for seventh in the NFL with 14 sacks, but, no other Browns defender logged more than 5.5 sacks on the season, underscoring the need to find a complementary piece on the other side of the defensive line.
After adding a major piece along the interior, choosing former Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. in the second round of the draft, Berry may be able to find value in one of the top veteran defenders still available in free agency.
Why Yannick Ngakoue Could Fill Big Need for Cleveland Browns
ESPN’s Matt Bowen put together a list of the best remaining free agents and their ideal fits, including veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue landing with the Browns.
“The Browns have edge depth, led by 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett,” Bowen writes for ESPN. “But this move would be more about adding a designated pass-rusher in Ngakoue. Last season in Chicago, Ngakoue had four sacks and 20 pressures, and he has totaled 69 career sacks over his nine pro seasons. Signing Ngakoue to a one-year deal would give defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz another rusher to scheme for in true passing situations.”
Ngakoue could certainly be weaponized on third downs and obvious passing situations, and might prove to be most effective in limited snaps.
Last season, the 29-year-old produced four sacks, but combined for 19.5 the prior to seasons.
For a coordinator such as Schwartz who thrives on exotic pressure packages, having a weapon such as Ngakoue could be an ideal fit.
