Browns 2023 Training Camp Preview: Defensive Line

Training camp is only a couple of days away, and it's a perfect time to take a closer look at the Cleveland Browns position groups. This time we're diving into Cleveland's defensive line as it currently stands.

Outside of Deshaun Watson, no position group's training camp is more important than the defensive line. Adapting to Jim Schwartz's defense, implementing the new talent they've added, and answering lingering questions about the interior will have a dramatic impact on the defense as a whole.

Cleveland has an abundance of talent and proven production at the defensive end position as of right now, which is something that can't be said about its defensive tackle situation. Yes, Dalvin Tomlinson is an enormous upgrade, but none of the other interior players have a proven track record of either good health or consistent play. 

There are only two returning defensive tackles who have played somewhat significant snaps for the Browns this season. Jordan Elliott has shown flashes of competent play at times but has been the definition of erratic when on the field so far. He played 1-technique for Cleveland last season but might shift back to his more natural position at 3-technique in 2023. Tommy Togiai has been underwhelming to say the least since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. He's displayed a lack of awareness and play recognition during his limited in-game reps over the past two seasons.

Maurice Hurst, Trysten Hill, and Siaki Ika have the opportunity to see a lot of playing time in 2023 if they can put together solid performances in camp next week.

Acquisitions:

DE Za'Darius Smith (Trade), DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Free Agency), DE Isaiah McGuire (Draft), DE Jeremiah Martin (UDFA), DE Lonnie Phelps (UDFA), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Free Agency), DT Maurice Hurst (Free Agency), DT Trysten Hill (Free Agency), DT Siaki Ika (Draft)

Departures: 

DE Jadeveon Clowney, DE Chase Winovich, DT Taven Bryan, DT Ben Stille, DT Roderick Perry

Returnees:

DE Myles Garrett, DE Alex Wright, DE Isaiah Thomas, DE Sam Kamara, DT Jordan Elliott, DT Tommy Togiai, DT Michael Dwumfour

Projected Week 1 Depth Chart:

DE: 

1. Myles Garrett

2. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

3. Isaiah McGuire

1DT:

1. Dalvin Tomlinson

2. Siaki Ika

3DT:

1. Jordan Elliott

2. Maurice Hurst

3. Trysten Hill

DE:

1. Za'Darius Smith

2. Alex Wright

Camp Battle to Watch:

Maurice Hurst vs. Trysten Hill for the backup/rotational 3-Technique defensive tackle spot. This is going to be an important competition to keep track of because whoever wins the job, is going to be playing quite a bit in 2023.

Jim Schwartz will most likely be using multiple players in a heavy rotation inside this season due to the lack of a stalwart-type player at 3-technique. Hurst has already shown the ability to produce at a high level when healthy, and Hill has a lot of great tools but has been inconsistent throughout his career.

Biggest Question Marks Heading into Camp:

How often will Za'Darius Smith play inside at defensive tackle?

Smith has been effective playing inside throughout his entire NFL career and was particularly good there during his time with Green Bay. His ability to win on the interior with both speed and power on a consistent basis against larger opponents is exactly why Jim Schwartz gravitated to him. 

Smith is going to play inside on obvious passing down situations, as well as what could be an unusual amount in their base defense if they need him. He might actually be the reason why Cleveland hasn't made another defensive tackle signing, particularly at 3-technique. Schwartz might be planning on playing him inside more often than most people think.

Will there be cause for concern at 3-technique heading into the season?

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is most likely going to be the motto for the 2023 season at 3-technique. As mentioned before, Jim Schwartz is most likely going to use multiple players throughout the season at this spot.

As of right now, it appears that the team has a weak spot on paper at 3-technique due to the lack of "big name" player there. Though this is true, Jim Schwartz is known for his ability to get the most out of his defensive line group every year. The scheme that he runs allows him to utilize players with a multitude of different skill sets at various spots along the defensive front. 

One of the more under-the-radar signings for Cleveland this offseason was Maurice Hurst. When healthy, he's quietly proven to be one of the top interior pass rushers in the league. If this Cleveland Browns staff can keep him healthy for 17 games, Hurst could end up being a huge steal for this team.

How many defensive linemen will Cleveland keep on the active roster in 2023?

It would be surprising to see the team keep less than ten. They kept ten in 2022, and Jim Schwartz has a habit of keeping the same amount.