Deion Jones was added by the Cleveland Browns to help bolster their defense, but if they truly want to improve, they can bring in one of these three players.
When it was revealed late on Friday night that the Cleveland Browns had acquired Deion Jones from the Atlanta Falcons, it came as a bit of a surprise, but it was a good one.
In light of Cleveland’s defense’s recent struggles, particularly on the ground, bringing in Jones was a wise move by general manager Andrew Berry. Despite the 2-3 start, it also demonstrates that they are not prepared to look ahead to 2023.
Houston Texans DT Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins, a former third-round choice from Nebraska who is not well-known, has had a respectable career over the previous seven seasons. Collins spent four years with Dallas before spending one season with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Houston Texans in 2020.
He has 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 19 starts for the Texans. Collins, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds, excels at pressuring the quarterback from the interior, but the Browns could use aid against the run.
Despite being a starter, the Texans might be open to a change because they aren’t exactly moving forward and could use some additional draft cash as they continue their rebuild.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE
The Browns believed they had acquired a third pass rusher this offseason in Chase Winovich. Before slowing down in 2021, the former New England Patriots linebacker had 11 sacks in each of his first two NFL seasons.
It was anticipated that a change of scenery would have an impact, but he hasn’t been heard from since. Due to a hamstring injury, Winovich has yet to make his professional debut. Even though it warranted his being placed on injured reserve, he hasn’t been seen since Week 5.
Cleveland has since shifted to rookie Alex Wright, who has even had to make a few starts as a result of the injuries that Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett are currently experiencing.
Wright was more of a projection pick who needed time to develop, despite their great hopes for him.
The Browns might consider adding some more seasoned aid as a result. K’Lavon Chaisson of the Jacksonville Jaguars is one potential choice. Chaisson, a former 20th overall pick out of LSU, hasn’t had much success in the NFL.
In his first season with the Jags, he recorded 50 tackles and two sacks, but so far in 2022, he has lagged No. 1 overall choice Travon Walker — while also coping with injuries of his own. Due to his durability, adding him could be risky, but this wasn’t an issue prior to 2022.
The Washington Commanders’ Daron Payne, DT
Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders is the one player who still makes the most sense for the Browns. Payne, who came out of Alabama in 2018, was chosen in the first round as well. He was taken in the 13th round overall and has lived up to Washington’s expectations.
With 245 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, 12 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and an interception, Payne has amassed a large amount of stats. Every play he makes has an influence on the game, and he would be the perfect defensive tackle for a club in need of an Alpha in the center of the line.
