Browns Defense in 2023...

[adam81king]

So, it seems we're at consensus that Joe Woods will be fired at some point before the 2023 season starts. That means the Browns will need a new Defensive Coordinator.

Who should it be?

Who do you want it to be?

Who is even available?

Who is the next DeMeco Ryans?

What players should AB keep?

What players will the new DC bring?

Any defensive staff staying?

I need *something* potentially good to think about on that side of the ball for the next few months. Who do ya got?

 

[Selby]

Players worth keeping on defense: Garrett, Ward, JOK, Newsome. Maybe Clowney, but his asking price will probably be too much for his production this year. Emerson has shown flashes, so he can stay too.

Pretty much the rest of the defense are guys who are not NFL caliber or can be easily replaced.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

If Nathaniel Hackett gets fired in Denver, I'd give a call to Ejiro Evero.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

So, it seems we're at consensus that Joe Woods will be fired at some point before the 2023 season starts. That means the Browns will need a new Defensive Coordinator.

Who should it be?

My favorite candidate who is available today is still Vic Fangio. I have an incredibly amount of respect for him and what he's done on the defensive side of the football. I think he's an archetype, and I hold him up there with guys like Saban, Wade Phillips and Belichick as people who have defined the past twenty years of defense.

I think it would be wise to see what head coaches get fired, and what defensive coordinators shake loose. If the Cowboys fire McCarthy, I kind of love what Dan Quinn has done with that team.

Who do you want it to be?

If I have my absolute dream pick? Belichick or Saban. They're the two best defensive coaches in football.

Realistically, I'd be 100% down with Vic Fangio--but I'm open to seeing who shakes loose as head coaches start to get fired.

Who is even available?

Have I mentioned Vic Fangio yet? If not, Vic Fangio.

Who is the next DeMeco Ryans?

Jerod Mayo is probably the next Demeco Ryans. He's the linebackers coach in New England, and might skip over Defensive Coordinator entirely and take some head coaching interviews. With Steve and Patricia over there in New England already, he's probably not getting a DC title any time soon.

What players should AB keep?

That's a hell of a list, and so much of it depends on things I don't know. Is JJ3 someone who will thrive in a new system, or is he one of the problems on the field? I lean towards saying he's a problem, but I'm not going to pretend to know what's going on off the field.

I think Greedy is clearly gone. I wish we had drafted Clowney's replacement.

What players will the new DC bring?

Any defensive staff staying?

I need *something* potentially good to think about on that side of the ball for the next few months. Who do ya got?

 

[Triplethreat]

I’d prefer a non re-tread.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

I’d prefer a non re-tread.

Do you consider Vic Fangio to be a re-tread? What about if someone like Wade Phillips was willing to be a DC again?

I think there are established, very, very good defensive coordinators--and that is the path we should go down. Going after young, unproven guys with a team that's ready to win a championship and a head coach who doesn't own that side of the ball isn't the path I want us to take.

 

[Huber.]

 

[adam81king]

You can't have him and Watson with the same franchise. The creepy factor would be too high.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

There isn't a chance Steve is available. He's already basically the DC over there in New England.

 

[Zeus69]

I think it would be wise to see what head coaches get fired, and what defensive coordinators shake loose. If the Cowboys fire McCarthy, I kind of love what Dan Quinn has done with that team.

You never know with Mr. Jones, but I think if McCarthy gets the axe, Quinn takes over. Jerry hasn't been subtle about his admiration for his current DC. Wild card would be McCarthy out, Sean Payton in.

I'd place a call to Mike Zimmer.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

Another name to throw out there: Tony Oden. Cleveland native (Cleveland Heights HS & BW grad) who's currently senior defensive assistant and CBs coach with the Jets. Worked with Robert Saleh in Houston, SF and now the Jets.

 

[Marcus]

My biggest fear for this defense moving forward is that Joe Woods somehow gets another year.

Surely that can’t be the case… right?

 

[Smooth]

Really comes down to two things: Replacing Woods and getting better up the middle..

We could see a mass exodus given the free agents on the defensive side of the ball: Clowney, Winovich, Bryan, Walker, Takitaki, Greedy, Jones, Harrison and JJIII (cap casualty)..

Mike Zimmer is at the top of my list along with Jim Schwartz to replace Woods.. Fangio is more than qualified but I do have concern with his 3-4 front and zone heavy coverage not blending well with the current team.. Zimmer seems to be the best fit with a 4-3 front, man coverage and an attacking style defense.. Although, a lot of culture related issues came out after he was fired which should give the Browns some pause..

Taven Bryan, Jordan Elliott shouldn’t be on the roster next year and John Johnson III won’t.. Togiai has been one of the worst interior defenders in the league the last two years and who knows where Winfrey will end up… Delpit seems best fit as your 3rd safety, or if they bring in a veteran to compete for the starting job..

The linebackers aren’t really an issue, they’ve just been hit with some bad injury luck.. Hopefully Walker returns but JOK, Walker and Takitaki a solid starting unit, they just need better depth behind them..

Seems like Browns and Clowney may both be open to a return — Browns from a need standpoint and Clowney from Watson being here, but another starting caliber end needs to be added to relieve Garrett and Clowney and provide insurance with their injury history..

Will be interesting to see how Berry attacks things and how Stefanski handles the defensive staff.. Berry has been good about addressing needs, but replacing anyone on the coaching staff would be a first for Stefanski..

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Also, nobody has mentioned Brian Flores yet.

 

[Smooth]

Also, nobody has mentioned Brian Flores yet.

I would but do we think Haslam would support the hiring given the lawsuit Flores has against the NFL?

Flores is more than worthy and I wouldn’t have any issue but I think question is more so would ownership have an issue..