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The Cleveland Browns' defense is in good hands following the departure of star EDGE rusher Myles Garrett heading into the 2026-27 NFL season.
General manager Andrew Berry made the bold decision to trade Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, which left many fans to believe that the defense would regress during the upcoming season. But with the addition of 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and the potential signing of veteran Jadeveon Clowney, the Browns could replicate the production of Garrett between its top four EDGE rushers.
However, the reshaped defensive end unit may not be the only catalyst for the defense this season.
Even though the struggling franchise is barely one week through training camp, the Browns' interior of the defensive line continues to shine, thanks to the likes of 2025 first-round pick Mason Graham and 2024 second-round pick Michael Hall Jr.
One of the most underrated departures from the organization was veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who played a key role alongside Graham last season. The loss of both Garrett and Harris this offseason was alarming for the Browns, but luckily for newly-hired defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, the rest of the front four unit has stood out throughout training camp.
Looking at the interior of the line, Graham is expected to make a huge leap heading into his second season with the organization. The former Michigan Wolverines standout did not light up the stat sheet as a freshman, recording 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a half sack. Instead, Graham did an excellent job of opening up more avenues for Garrett in 2025. But with the star playmaker not in the mix this season, Graham will be expected to take on a bigger role.
The surprise out of the bunch, however, is Hall.
After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State Buckeyes' defender has struggled to make an impact on the defense. In his two seasons with the Browns, Hall recorded 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 games, but his strong efforts throughout training camp could indicate an uptick in production during his third season.
With fellow defensive tackle Maliek Collins set to begin the season on the PUP list, the Browns will need to lean on both Graham and Hall to dominate the interior of the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' IDL group turning heads during training camp
Continue reading...
General manager Andrew Berry made the bold decision to trade Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, which left many fans to believe that the defense would regress during the upcoming season. But with the addition of 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and the potential signing of veteran Jadeveon Clowney, the Browns could replicate the production of Garrett between its top four EDGE rushers.
However, the reshaped defensive end unit may not be the only catalyst for the defense this season.
Even though the struggling franchise is barely one week through training camp, the Browns' interior of the defensive line continues to shine, thanks to the likes of 2025 first-round pick Mason Graham and 2024 second-round pick Michael Hall Jr.
Browns' defensive line making noise in training camp
One of the most underrated departures from the organization was veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris, who played a key role alongside Graham last season. The loss of both Garrett and Harris this offseason was alarming for the Browns, but luckily for newly-hired defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, the rest of the front four unit has stood out throughout training camp.
Looking at the interior of the line, Graham is expected to make a huge leap heading into his second season with the organization. The former Michigan Wolverines standout did not light up the stat sheet as a freshman, recording 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a half sack. Instead, Graham did an excellent job of opening up more avenues for Garrett in 2025. But with the star playmaker not in the mix this season, Graham will be expected to take on a bigger role.
The surprise out of the bunch, however, is Hall.
After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State Buckeyes' defender has struggled to make an impact on the defense. In his two seasons with the Browns, Hall recorded 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 games, but his strong efforts throughout training camp could indicate an uptick in production during his third season.
With fellow defensive tackle Maliek Collins set to begin the season on the PUP list, the Browns will need to lean on both Graham and Hall to dominate the interior of the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns' IDL group turning heads during training camp
Continue reading...
