The Cleveland Browns have surged back into the playoffs, boasting a second-place finish in the AFC North with an 11-6 record. Despite a revolving door at quarterback—using five starters throughout the season—it was Jim Schwartz’s top-ranked defense that stole the show.
Anchored by NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, this unit dominated the league, allowing the fewest passing yards and the fewest total yards per game.
The defensive front brought the heat consistently, racking up 49 sacks in total, 24 of which came from the fearsome front four. Garrett’s relentless assault on offensive lines was complemented by a rotation of disruptive pass-rushers.
Michael Hall Jr. Joins Cleveland Browns Formidable Defensive Line
Looking to maintain their defensive dominance, the Browns turned to the Ohio State Buckeyes again by drafting defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. Cleveland’s recent success with former Ohio State products made this decision strategic, even without a first-round pick in April.
Hall’s attributes make him an exciting prospect, but as NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein points out, he has a unique skill set that requires refining.
where 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑒 meets 𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖈𝖊 pic.twitter.com/etFEMwAuBr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 11, 2024
“There might be a different conversation if Hall was a little bigger, but a lack of size is hard to overcome on the NFL level,” Zierlein notes. “He rushes with sudden feet and active hands to whip guards with quick wins but appears to lack the lower-body drive to capitalize on early advantages against stronger competition.”
Despite these critiques, Hall is recognized for his twitchy movements and quickness, making him an immediate sub-rush threat.
Cleveland Browns Learning From Dawand Jones’ Success
The Browns have shown a knack for turning Ohio State players into NFL contributors. Last year, they rolled the dice on offensive lineman Dawand Jones, who fell to the fourth round due to weight concerns. Yet, Jones thrived, playing in 11 games and starting nine before a knee injury ended his season. His success is proof that the Browns know how to unlock the potential of the Buckeyes, and Hall seems poised to follow in his footsteps.
“With Dawand Jones starting games in the NFL and being productive, Cleveland must be doing something right,” an AFC scout told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “If Dawand can do that, Mike Hall can, too. The talent is there; he’ll just need a bit of help and guidance to become a pro.”
Cleveland Browns An Ideal Fit for Jim Schwartz’s Scheme
The Browns’ defensive line is well-stocked, with Za’Darius Smith and interior stalwarts Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris complementing Garrett. Hall will likely play a significant role in providing depth, especially in Schwartz’s attacking scheme.
His explosiveness and ability to disrupt guards will add another layer to Cleveland’s defensive arsenal, and with Garrett leading by example, Hall can quickly find his niche.
In a division known for tough defensive battles, the Cleveland Browns are doubling down on their strategy of fortifying the trenches. With Michael Hall Jr. now on board, they aim to replicate the success they had with Dawand Jones last year and build a unit that will give opposing offenses nightmares.
