Browns defensive training camp questions include next jump for Myles Garrett, Jim Schwartz

BEREA — Training camp is the chance for teams like the Browns to get some answers to plenty of questions.

The reality for a team like the Browns, who are coming off an 11-6 season that resulted in a playoff berth, is that the number of questions aren't necessarily as plentiful as they were when they were trying to find success. Their roster is, for the most part, void of a whole lot of spots that are truly wide-open.

The fact there aren't a lot of questions for the Browns entering camp doesn't mean there are no questions to answer, though. We're looking at some of the big questions for the start of camp, which starts with the first practice at The Greenbrier on Thursday.

On Saturday, it was the five big offensive questions which were the focus. Today, we look at the big defensive questions going into Browns training camp.

What's Year 2 in Jim Schwartz's defense look like for Cleveland Browns?

Jim Schwartz's first season as the Browns' defensive coordinator exceeded just about all expectations, at least until the wild card loss at the Houston Texans. So what's the encore performance for a defense that finished last season ranked No. 1 in total yards (270.2), passing yards (164.7) and third-down efficiency (29.13%)?

Well, the last time Schwartz was a defensive coordinator, his second season resulted in the fourth-ranked defense in the league, as well as a win in the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns would certainly trade a No. 1 ranking on defense for a season like the Eagles had in 2017.

Schwartz spoke during OTAs about adding "different pitches" to the fastball the Browns had a year ago. He has the added benefit of, save for linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, returning essentially the entire defense.

Those two factors, coupled with the potential for a little better injury luck, open the door to endless possibilities for this defense. Well, those and the next item on the list.

What does Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett do for an encore?

Schwartz was obviously a huge reason for the defensive improvement a year ago. However, defensive end Myles Garrett was the one who truly made it into the the elite unit, and he earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for his effort.

Garrett didn't have the sack numbers in 2023 — 14 — that he had the two previous seasons when he set the franchise's single-season record with 16. That would be judging only a small part of his game, or his impact on opposing offenses just with his presence.

Pro Football Focus credited Garrett with a career-high 89 pressures, including 60 quarterback hurries. According to ESPN Stats and Information, he had a 30% pass-rush win rate despite being doubled-teamed on 29% of those plays, both second only to the Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons, who was at 35% in both categories.

Garrett's had a chance to develop a rapport with teammates Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo and Dalvin Tomlinson, all of whom were new to the Browns last season. That, along with more experience in Schwartz's system, is reasons for anticipation at what lies ahead, not just for Garrett, but for the next player highlighted.

Can Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah become 'best linebacker in the NFL?'

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was healthy a year ago, which hadn't been the case for either of his first two seasons in the league. That allowed the Browns off-ball linebacker to have his break-through season, including career highs with 20 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and 101 combined tackles.

After the season-ending playoff loss, then-teammate Walker sent Owusu-Koramoah a text. Walker told reporters the text said, "If he's not the best linebacker in the NFL next year, that's his fault. Because he has everything that it takes."

That's the expectations that have been placed on Owusu-Koramoah by those who know the talent he possesses. Such as him, who said during minicamp, " I think that there's a higher level to it and whenever there's a high level, there can't be this satisfying attitude. I think for me it's more so there's a lot more to do, there's a lot more to conquer and to persevere through."

Owusu-Koramoah is also coming into a contract season. The Browns have been trying to negotiate a long-term extension with his representatives this offseason, something that's likely to continue on into training camp.

What can Michael Hall Jr. give the Browns defensive line as a rookie?

The Browns used their first draft pick in April to add some young talent to their defensive tackle group. They selected Michael Hall Jr, the Streetsboro High School graduate and Ohio State Buckeye, in the second round with pick No, 54.

The question with Hall is how quickly can he get himself to the point of being a significant contributor? Just as big a question is how much will the Browns need to use Hall this season?

The answer to the first question will play a large role into answering the second one. However, there is a sense that part of the second question's premise lies in the Browns' desire to have Hall, who turned 21 in June, use his rookie year to focus on development in order to make sure the long-term plan isn't sabotaged by short-term desires.

That said, if Hall can make a big rookie-year leap, that could be a huge boost to the defense as a whole. And get some young talent on the field at defensive tackle sooner rather than later.

Is this the year Martin Emerson Jr. takes a leap into the elite category?

Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.'s selection with the Browns' first pick in the third round of the 2022 draft initially draw some questions regarding the thinking. The Browns already had two first-round picks at corner: Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II.

Two years later, there's no one questioning the pick of Emerson. Instead, he's been one of the Browns players to draw significant offseason interest from national analysts who view him as a potential break-through star this season.

Emerson's play has allowed for such statements, especially when he's playing in press coverage. Last year he allowed only eight catches on 26 targets for 4.2 yards per catch, three plays of 20 or more yards and no touchdowns on 139 press-coverage snaps.

That's all part a steep upward trajectory Emerson's been on since the first game of his rookie season. one which has helped give the Browns arguably one of, if not the, best cornerback trio in the league. This year could see him that his own jump into being one of the best cornerbacks in the league as well.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ