The Cleveland Browns have made significant strides to reinforce their already stout defense. This offseason, the Browns' front office prioritized retaining key defensive linemen, ensuring that Za'Darius Smith, Shelby Harris, and Maurice Hurst remain the cornerstones of their defensive line.
One of the biggest moves came during the 2024 NFL Draft, when the Browns selected Michael Hall Jr., a standout product from Ohio State, with the 54th overall pick. Hall, a Cleveland native, recorded 6.0 sacks during his tenure with the Buckeyes, with 1.5 of those sacks coming in his final year. His potential has drawn high praise, especially from Za'Darius Smith, who sees parallels between Hall and the legendary Aaron Donald. Donald concluded his illustrious career with 111.0 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries, setting a high bar for any newcomer.
"He is different. He reminds me of Aaron Donald a little bit," Smith commented. "Hopefully he doesn't see this and get a big head. He just wants to learn. He is asking a lot of questions. If you did see during 1-on-1s, he was winning each and every rep. To have a young guy like that who just wants to continue to get better and better each and every day is big for a defensive lineman, and we are happy to have him."
The enthusiasm surrounding Hall is palpable. His work ethic and eagerness to improve have resonated with his teammates, including Smith, who hopes defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will devise a package that allows the entire defensive line, including Hall, to be on the field simultaneously.
"Being with him, man, hopefully there is a package that Jim Schwartz puts in for us where all of us are in at the same time," added Smith. "[Hall is a] young guy, just wants to learn. He wants to be great. He is from here. He was born and raised in Cleveland, so for him to be a Brown is big, too. I think last week he told me, 'I got a lot of doubters and I am going to prove a lot of guys wrong.' That was big to hear from him as a young guy."
Hall's transition to the NFL appears to have been seamless. "There hasn't really been a toughest adjustment. My work ethic from before has been great. I just turned it up a notch plus-2. Staying after and getting extra work with those guys, Myles [Garrett] or Za'Darius and all of them or Mo Hurst, just being blessed to be out there with all of them," Hall remarked.
The Browns' defense under Jim Schwartz was already one of the best in the NFL last season. However, the team did not rest on its laurels. Strategic offseason acquisitions, including Quinton Jefferson and seventh-round draft pick Jowon Briggs, added depth and versatility to their defensive lineup. Additionally, the signings of Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika, the Browns' 2023 third-round selection, further bolstered their defensive front.
The combination of these seasoned players with fresh talent like Hall sets the Browns up for another formidable season. As they gear up to open their preseason at home against the Packers, the team will look to build on their commendable 11-6 regular-season record from last year. Despite their elimination in the wild card round against the Texans, the Browns' renewed defensive vigor promises much for the upcoming season.
With veterans like Smith paving the way and promising newcomers like Hall eager to make their mark, the Browns' defense is poised to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. The city of Cleveland and Browns fans everywhere will be watching closely as this talented group takes the field, full of hope and high expectations for what lies ahead.