A New Defensive Coordinator Is Looking To Change The Defensive Culture, In Cleveland, For 2019.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Cleveland Browns. I will be identifying a couple of players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire each of these players.
Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Tackle:
Larry Ogunjobi, 24, has played in 30 of 32 games in his first two seasons in the NFL. In 2018 he became a full time starter and put together a solid season. Ogunjobi recorded 33 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, and five and a half sacks. With the addition of Steve Wilks as the new Browns defensive coordinator, I am excited to see the type of impact Ogunjobi will have in 2019. Given Larry’s solid 2018 season he makes a great buy low with the potential for more.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be owned and given that his arrow is pointing up, I’m looking to acquire him. Due to Cleveland not having a lot of house hold names on defense, you might be able to get him for no more then a mid round pick.
Honorable Mention: Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End.
Genard Avery, Inside Linebacker:
Genard Avery, 23, had a very productive rookie season for the Browns. He played in all 16 games and started five of them. His rookie season saw him rack up 30 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, and four and a half sacks. Earlier this month, the Browns released 16 game starter Jamie Collins. Now that there is an opening up for grabs, Avery has a great opportunity to be the in-house replacement. Genard is a great buy low because of the potential role he could have come the 2019 season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Some might question him being a buy low, but let me tell you why I think he is. Collins, a 16 game starter in 2018, finished as a top 25 linebacker, in total points. That’s even with his play slipping last season. So, I believe that Avery has the potential to finish as a top 20 linebacker, in total points, in 2019. I would gladly give up a 3rd round pick for him now, before he’s named the starter.
Honorable Mention: Christian Kirksey, Inside Linebacker.
Travis (T.J.) Carrie, Cornerback:
T.J. Carrier, 28, had a nice first season in Cleveland. He ended with 58 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. Carrie played in 16 games and started eight of them. So, with Denzel Ward on the opposite side, Carrie should have plenty of opportunities to make plays, as the other starting cornerback in 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Carrie should be owned, and given the emergence of Denzel Ward, Carrie makes for a great buy low. I’m offering no more then a mid round pick for T.J.
Honorable Mention: Derrick Kindred, Safety.
Conclusion
I think new defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, will do a nice job of getting the most out of the players, currently on the roster. I’m confident that the players mentioned above will see a nice increase in production next season. Ranking these players in order of priority, it would be Genard Avery, T.J. Carrie, and Larry Ogunjobi. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Dallas Cowboys.
