The Browns hit defensive line hard in both the draft and free agency last season.
One of the few position groups not to be significantly affected by injuries in 2015, the Browns defensive line featured a mix of young (first-year players Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder and Xavier Cooper), players in their prime (Desmond Bryant and John Hughes III) and grizzled veterans (Randy Starks). Overall, the group's performance was steadier than the previous season, but the Browns will be looking to be much better against the run and pressuring the quarterback in 2016.
As the Browns prepare for both free agency, which kicks off next Wednesday, and the draft, here's what they'll be working with.
Who's back? (2015 stats)
Danny Shelton - 16 games, 36 tackles
Desmond Bryant - 14 games, 33 tackles, six sacks, forced fumble
John Hughes III - 16 games, 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery
Xavier Cooper - 14 games, 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Dylan Wynn
Departed
Randy Starks - 15 games, 29 tackles, sack, fumble recovery
Contract talk
Jamie Meder (exclusive rights restricted free agent) - 16 games, 33 tackles, sack
2015 rankings of note
Total defense - 379.2 yards per game - 27th in the NFL (10th in 2014)
Yards per rush attempt - 4.5 - 27th (32nd in 2014)
Rushing touchdowns - 11 - T-17th (T-20th in 2014)
Sacks - 29 - 28th (27th in 2014)
Top D-linemen available (Rankings from NFL.com’s Top 99 NFL Free Agents)
- DT Malik Jackson, Broncos
- DE Olivier Vernon, Dolphins
- DE Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants
- DE Mario Williams, Bills
- DT Jaye Howard, Chiefs
- DT Damon Harrison, Jets
- DE Chris Long, Rams
- DT Nick Fairley, Rams
- DE Derrick Shelby, Dolphins
- DE Robert Ayers, Giants
- DT Ian Williams, 49ers
- DT Haloti Ngata, Lions
- DT B.J. Raji, Packers
- DE Greg Hardy, Cowboys
- DT Terrance Knighton, Redskins
- DE Cedric Thornton, Eagles
- DE William Hayes, Rams
- DE Courtney Upshaw, Ravens
- DT Akiem Hicks, Patriots
- DE Jarvis Jenkins, Bears
- DT Brandon Mebane, Seahawks
What about the draft?
Per CBSSports.com’s position rankings, there are 15 defensive ends and defensive tackles who have the potential to be selected in the first round. What makes this year's draft class so valuable, though, is its depth. NFL Network's Mike Mayock raved about the group, particularly this year's class of interior linemen, during last week's NFL Combine broadcast, saying many players who receive first-round grades from teams will fall into the second round and beyond.
