PFF analyst ranks the Browns’ defensive line in the Top 5 of the NFL

The 2023 Cleveland Browns defensive line was one of the more disruptive units in the NFL last year. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz found a way to maximize the skillset and talent of the players along his defensive line.

In total, last year, the Browns had 365 quarterback pressures, led by Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and veteran Za’Darius Smith. Sam Monson of PFF released a list ranking the defensive line groups, with the Browns finding themselves number five overall ahead of the 2024 season.

The only issue I have with this list is that I’m not positive there are four defensive lines that are better from top to bottom than the Browns. The team added even more pass rush upside, bringing in Michael Hall Jr. and veteran Quinton Jefferson while bringing back Shelby Harris and Za’Darius Smith.

It is hard to find holes in the Browns’ defensive line, from top to bottom, both pass rush-wise and run defense-wise. Ultimately, this group will be one of the best again in the NFL, and PFF agrees with that statement.