When a team starts 0-10 and the odds in Vegas favor them going 0-16, it is hard to salvage much. However, because of the age of team, the amount of room under the salary cap, a good head coach and an abundance of picks, all is not lost for the Browns.
While some will suggest that they once again blow up the entire roster, they would be wise to keep quite a few people. While there is no doubt they have holes at every single position, most notably QB, RB, Offensive Line, CB and DL.
They still have improving stars on the team as well that are just beginning solid NFL careers, or in some cases, solid veterans.
Here are the 7 defensive players the Cleveland Browns must keep heading into next season. Some of which will be easy because they are under very affordable contracts.
Christian Kirksey – He leads the team in tackles and seems to have a nose for the ball. He is in the backfield, the secondary and even special teams at times. Kirksey is young, talented and when healthy, is driven to succeed and lead on the field. Kirksey is motivated to keep this team from going 0-16 and will be a staple of any plan going forward. Kirksey is a keeper.
Emmanuel Ogbah – This 6 foot 4 275 pound second round draft pick out of Oklahoma State has played up to his draft stock thus far, and he appears to be improving weekly. He has 3 sacks in 10 games but appears to be involved in several big plays when they occur.
Carl Nassib – He has the look, the talent and certainly the unlimited potential to be the next JJ Watt. While his rookie season has been hampered by injuries, he still has performed well in the games he played in.There is no debating that Nassib will be a corner stone of this defense for a very long time. He attracts double teams, which has allowed last year’s rookie bust Danny Shelton to improve.
Danny Shelton – Last years rookie bust has suddenly improved thanks to the presence of Nassib and Ogbah. He deserves a third year in Cleveland to truly see if this former first round pick, still has what it takes, or is just another Farmer bust.
Demario Davis – With 37 tackles, he is near the top of the team in that category. He also has the size, youth and speed to be a threat with this young growing defense. He doesn’t get much credit, but Davis can be an important cog for a long time to come.
Joe Haden – Say what you want about his injuries the last two years, but there is no disputing, when he is healthy is the best defensive player on the team. Even with limited playing time this season, he still leads the team in interceptions. He also shuts down AJ Green when healthy as well.
At the end of the day, you can get as angry as you want when he is not in the lineup, but if the Browns can ever get him a good running mate on the other side as they did his first few years in the league, then Haden can be right back to All Pro Form.
Jamie Collins – After two games, it is already clear, he is the best player on the team. Only problem, he is a free agent at the end of the year. The Browns need to throw out the analytics and pay this man whatever they need to keep him. If the Browns front office wants to stop being a laughing stock, they need to re-sign Collins!
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