Position Breakdown: D-Line

Currently Roster Makeup:

Adams, Titus DL 6-4 305, Coleman, Kenyon DL 6-5 295, Lewis, Jonathan DL 6-1 305, Mosley, C.J. DL 6-3 305, Robinson, Derreck DL 6-4 295, Rogers, Shaun DL 6-4 350, Rubin, Ahtyba DL 6-2 330, Schaefering, Brian DL 6-4 295, Smith, Robaire DL 6-5 310, Williams, Corey DL 6-4 320.

Breakdown:

2009 marked an up and down year (up, down, and around, circular, all good things) for the Defensive line as a whole and for many indivdual players in the unit. Despite being the 31st ranked defense in the NFL and 28th against the run the D-line play was vastly improved over the last several weeks of the season.

Shaun Rogers, a Pro-bowler in 2008 was placed on IR following the Browns week 12 loss to the Bengals. There is no doubt that Rogers is one of the most dominant d-linemen in the NFL. However his ability to penetrate and get upfield likely created some problems on the d-line. His gap responsibilities often went out the window and his depth created cut back lanes for opposing running backs.

Ahtyba Rubin rotated with Corey Williams at the NT position after Rogers went on the IR and the run defense improved. Rubin looks like he is really coming into his own and can be a viable 3-4 NT. Corey Williams looks like he found himself back on the inside, showing flashes of the dominance he displayed as a 4-3 DT in Green Bay. The emergence of Brian Schaefering was a pleasant surprise. While he does not look to be a starting caliber D-lineman, he may get some more time in the rotation next season.

Former Jets C.J. Mosley and Kenyon Coleman performed as expected. Each showed some solid play but neither has game changing ability.

Finally, Robaire Smith quietly had a pretty decent season. While he is getting up there in age, he looks to have another year or two in him.

Looking Forward:
Assuming we stick with a 3-4 base defense don't be surprised to see Rubin getting a lot of play at NT. I would love to see Shaun Rogers play DE where he can create and play a little more instinctively. The possibility of trading Rogers, while unlikely should not be dismissed. Corey Williams should be playing more inside as well. With Mangini and Rob Ryan in their second year together I would like to see a little more of Rob Ryan's scheme shown outside of the base to include some 4-3 and 4-6 looks. Getting a playmaking DE would be helpful, but is not a priority on this side of the ball.

Free Agency Outlook:
The most notable DT coming into Free agency are without a doubt Casey Hampton of the Steelers and Vince Wolfork of the Patriots. Each is a pro-bowl player and has enormous bellies and talent as a 3-4 NT. However, do not expect to see either one in Brown and Orange in 2010. We have enough talent at the NT to avoid the contracts these players will likely be seeking. Richard Seymour of the Raiders is likely to generate the most interest as a 3-4 DE. Again, do not expect to see a heavy investment in the D-line via free agency.

Draft Prospects:
Several talented D-linemen will be selected in the first 2 rounds of the NFL draft. The most notable are Ndomakong Suh of Nebraska and Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma. If for some reason Suh was available at #7 it would be a no brainer, but he will be a top 2 pick. McCoy will also likely be gone by the Browns pick. With so many areas of need especially on this side of the ball, do not expect to see a D-lineman drafted in the first 2 rounds by the Browns unless someone falls. Other potential first round picks include Derrick Morgan (Ga Tech),Carlos Dunlap (Floria),
Everson Griffen (USC), Dan Williams (Tennessee) and Brian Price (UCLA).