Brown’s injuries continue to plague the team, but will reinforcements be available? By Barry Shuck December 14, 2023 6:42am EST Michael Brockers The Cleveland Browns are known for not having a logo or sticker on their helmets.
For four years they added their jersey numbers to the sides, the drawing board included a “CB” logo that had never been seen on the field, and coach Paul Brown once ordered his coach Leo Murphy to paint Brownie on the helmet side paint to see what it means.
it would have seemed, but then I hated it.But with all the injuries this team has suffered this season, it might be appropriate for the Browns to affix a white square with a bright red cross in the center on either side of the eyelids. Yes, every week the list of injured grows.
The latest news – bad news, to be sure – was that Maurice Hurst, a key backup defensive tackle, was out for the remainder of the season with a pectoral injury.
The news is devastating for a defensive group that relies on its DTs to protect gaps and eliminate running lanes.
Their run defense is solid and currently ranks 11th in the league with 1,343 yards allowed. They rank 12th with 4.1 yards per attempt. The reason is their team of defensive tackles.
Hurstwas a big cog and every week he got better with more snaps. Who will replace him?Shelby Harris is the other primary backup getting quite a bit of playing time behind Dalvin Tomlinson, who is paired with starter Jordan Elliott.
But for backup and rest periods? The list includes third-round freshman Siaki Ika, who got snaps but didn’t play much. It’s possible that DE Za’Darius Smith or DE Alex Wright could also play inside reps.
The practice squad includes Tommy Togiai, a former fourth-round pick of the Browns, and they recently signed another new addition to the roster, Sam Kamara. What about free agents or other sources? Here are four.
Akiem Hicks (6′-4″, 335 pounds)Age: 34 years oldAlthough Hicks had his worst statistical season of his career in 2022 with 11 starts, the big man has 41.5 sacks with 409 tackles and 115 QB hits in his 11 seasons played.
He signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. So if the Browns signed him, even for a short stay, he would likely be higher than cheaper options.
But Harold is worth it. He started with the Chicago Bears and in six seasons, Hicks was very productive, posting seasons of 7, 8.5 and 7.5 sacks in three consecutive years.
When healthy, Hicks has proven he can be a productive player while still performing at a high level, even at 34 years old. The Browns hope he can provide a solid veteran presence and bring much-needed passing skills to an already very talented defensive line.
Trysten Hill (6′-3″, 310 pounds) Age: 25 years old Team: New England Patriots He was in Browns training camp in 2023 after signing a one-year deal and then being added to the practice squad before being released.
He is now on the Patriots’ practice squad. Predictions were that Hill would make Cleveland’s final roster, but after the franchise signed Shelby Harris, Hill became an afterthought.
He has a mean character, remains young and already knows the defense. Hill has good initial burst and always seems to be the first one off the snap.
He plays with functional agility and can bend to complete tackles in the open field. Effective use of the hands is forceful and can be destructive.
Quinton “Big Q” Bohanna (6′-4″, 338 lbs)Age: 24Team: Detroit Lions Update: The Tennessee Titans have plucked Bohanna from the Lions’ practice squad Currently on the Lions’ practice squad, Bohanna is powerful and a burden to carry around.
He was brought up for three games this year, for which he had six tackles and two tackles for loss. The Browns still need a rotational corps and Big Q can fill it. Bohanna is a huge person who was named Three Time All-State in high school.
He can hold the spot as a substitute as a two-hole nose with good power, who is much more likely to become a space eater than an attacking midfielder.Yes, Bohanna is limited.
But he’s big and strong and could find work as a rotation player for Jim Schwartz’s defense.
Michael Brockers (6′-5″, 322 lbs)Age: 32In the 2012 NFL Draft, Brockers was drafted 14th overall by the Detroit Lions and subsequently named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.
He has 157 NFL appearances, so the experience is there. Over his 11-year career, Brockers totaled 451 tackles, 29 sacks, 64 QB hits and 52 tackles for a loss. Brockers was once a top athlete.
He is more of a 3-tech DT within a 4-3 defense and can still make an impact on the line. With its massive build and thick, strong legs, it is very well suited to double teams.
He uses his instincts well and has an uncanny ability to sniff screens and draw plays. If necessary, it can also be transferred to DE.
