Za’Darius Smith picked the Cleveland Browns over other suitors during the process of his being traded. Smith asked for the initial trade during the month of March. Upset and on different ends of the spectrum when it comes to money. Smith and the Vikings worked behind the scenes to find him a suitable landing spot. Therefore, it was reported that he chose the Browns over at least two other suitors. As of recently the trade has been made final and Smith will be joining the Browns.
Reworked Defense
The Browns have made waves along the defensive line and the entirety of their defense during the off-season. One of the newest moves was adding three-time pro bowler Smith. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Smith chose the Browns over two other suitors. “Smith had two other suitors pursuing him but found the chance to play opposite Myles Garrett appealing.
Pass Rush Specialty
With the addition of Smith the Browns now have two players in him and Garrett that finished in the top ten of pressures and pass rush win rate. In addition to adding Ogbo Okoronkwo this off-season (who finished in the top 20 of pass rush win rate himself), the Browns have a formidable trio of pass rushers. For a team in the Browns who could not generate a pass rush opposite of Garrett having a new trio helps out a lot. Smith is a player that can help in the run game as well. This should be one of the top-rated defensive line rotations in the NFL.
Impressive Pass Rushing Trio
A season ago Garrett didn’t get much help pressuring the quarterback in 2022. General manager Andrew Berry has made sure that will not happen again during the fall. First, the team signed Okoronkwo in free agency to play opposite Myles Garrett. As well as the Browns adding to the defensive line and defensive back depth. Then adding a defensive specialist in Smith which has really solidified this defense.
Za’Darius Smith And Others PFF Grades
New defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz will have plenty of top passing and run-stopping talent to work with this season. The three top-rated pass rushers on the team will make a major difference for this team. Last season incoming Smith had 78 quarterback pressures. By comparison, Garrett had 73 pressures while Okoronkwo had 36 himself. With a proper rotation and elevated role Okoronkwo can also add something this team never had. Therefore, at season’s end, this could be one of the better pass rush trio’s in the NFL.
Za’Darius Smith Adds New Look
The Browns’ defensive line will look completely different than what it did a season ago. This group can become a terrifying unit to contain for opposing offensive coordinators. As long as there aren’t any injuries this defense should be in the top half of the NFL. With the addition of Smith, this team should have a formidable pass rush and defense overall.
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