Browns Defense: Key Players ⁤for⁢ an Elite 2025‌ Season

‌ Updated⁤ june 14, 2025

After⁣ a dominant ⁢2023,​ the Cleveland‌ Browns defense slipped in 2024 as the​ team’s offensive struggles took their toll.the Browns,who boasted the league’s best defense in yards per play in 2023 (4.6), fell to ⁢23rd (5.6) in 2024. Cleveland also allowed the seventh-highest total​ QBR to opposing quarterbacks (59.2) adn surrendered 126 explosive plays, the third-moast in the NFL.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has emphasized ⁣enhancement in two key areas: third-down⁤ defense and takeaways.While Cleveland ranked eighth in third-down defense (36.2%), their 12 takeaways were among the league’s fewest.

wiht many key contributors returning,including Defensive Player of⁣ the‍ Year Myles ⁤Garrett,the Browns need strong performances from both newcomers and returning players stepping into ‌larger roles ​to‍ regain their elite⁢ status.⁤ Here are five⁣ players who could determine if the browns defense returns to ‍dominance in‍ 2025.

Cornerback‍ Greg ⁣Emerson aims to​ rebound⁢ after a challenging 2024 season. after a stellar‍ 2023, where he allowed the lowest passer rating among corners with at least 40 targets (43.8), Emerson became a frequent target for opposing ⁤offenses last season. His targeted ⁢passer ​rating jumped to 100.5,ranking 49th out of ‍71 qualifying cornerbacks.

Schwartz noted the ⁣need for Emerson to​ finish plays better. Entering the final​ year of his rookie contract, a⁢ strong season⁢ could ⁢lead to a significant payday⁤ for Emerson.

Rookie ‍defensive tackle ⁢mason Graham, drafted after a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is expected to make ⁢an immediate impact.The Browns released Dalvin Tomlinson and did not‍ re-sign Maurice Hurst,creating an possibility for Graham. While his role at michigan focused on​ holding blocks,‌ Schwartz believes Graham has the potential to be a disruptive pass rusher. With Garrett drawing significant attention, Graham shoudl find himself in favorable one-on-one situations.

The Browns signed defensive tackle Shelby Collins to a⁤ two-year‌ deal after releasing⁢ Tomlinson. Collins, formerly of the San ‍Francisco 49ers, ‍is expected to ‍bolster the interior⁣ pass rush. Last season, Collins had a ‍12.7% pass rush win rate,‍ seventh-best among interior defenders. While the Browns ‍led the league in pressure rate‍ (40%), Garrett was ⁢the only player with at least⁤ 20 ‌pressures.Collins registered 27 for the 49ers.

Linebacker⁢ Carson Schwesinger has impressed​ early in training camp. ‌During rookie minicamp, he intercepted a pass and ⁤returned it for a touchdown. Schwesinger, a ⁢former walk-on at UCLA, was a ​highly productive linebacker in​ his lone⁣ season as a starter. Of the 47⁣ FBS players with at least 100 tackles⁢ last season, Schwesinger had the fewest missed tackles. The Browns view him as a versatile ⁢player capable​ of contributing against​ both the ‌run ​and pass.

With Jeremiah ‍Owusu-Koramoah sidelined for the season ‌due to a neck ​injury, Schwesinger could see significant‌ playing time early in his career.

Safety ronnie Hickman is poised to ⁤step ⁢into a larger role following the release of Juan Thornhill. The Browns signed ⁤damontae Kazee ⁤and Rayshawn Jenkins, but Hickman could start alongside Grant Delpit. Hickman has filled in for Thornhill in ⁣the past, and Schwartz has praised his ability as ⁤a deep safety. In two seasons, Hickman has one interception, four pass breakups, and⁤ forced a ⁤tight window on 41.7% ‍of targets in 2023,the‍ highest mark among safeties with at least ⁣10 targets.

What’s next

the Browns will continue⁣ organized‌ team⁣ activities, focusing ⁤on improving communication and execution on defense as‌ they prepare for ‌the 2025 season.