In signing Shelby Harris, the Cleveland Browns now finally have two starting caliber defensive tackles, which also help set up the rest of the rotation at that position. Moreover, Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are proficient run-stopping interior players and no one is likely to be happier about this addition than linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Walker's 2022 season was cut short, suffering a season-ending quad injury the third week of the season, but in his two seasons in Cleveland, he has had no help in front of him on the defensive interior. As a result, offensive linemen have been able to get to him and make it more difficult for him to operate, a stark contrast to his time with the Indianapolis Colts where he played behind Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner.
With Tomlinson and Harris, Walker should be able to have more freedom of movement, able to get down hill and deliver hits as opposed to trying to fight off blocks only to catch ball carriers at a high speed.
It was a similar situation for JOK, who had an excellent rookie season and a miserable sophomore campaign. The mediocre defensive line exposed every vulnerability JOK had. It made it difficult to play fast or attack ball carriers. It negated his strengths. Tomlinson and Harris can protect him when he's operating between the tackles, but the fact the Browns still have Myles Garrett and now Za'Darius Smith on the outside gives him some level of protection when he's an overhang player.
Being able to play faster, operate cleaner and play downhill should allow JOK to not only reclaim the glory he showed as a rookie, but surpass it.
Predictability makes a defense's job significantly easier. With Harris, the Browns should be a more formidable run defense. That should enable them to put opponents into more obvious passing situations. In 25 games, JOK has broken up a total of eight passes. Being able to focus on the pass should allow JOK to make more plays on the ball and potentially cause turnovers.
Even under miserable circumstances, linebackers coach Jason Tarver has been able to get surprisingly good results from his position group. Given the improvements the secondary and defensive line this offseason, that should become more evident this season. Both Walker and JOK are in position to have their best seasons with the Browns.
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