The numbers are what they are, so no data-minded analytical organization is going to tell you the Cleveland Browns are going to field a dominant pass rushing defense in 2018.
That’s why Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuiness has the Browns ranked all the way near the bottom, coming in at No. 28, heading into the season. McGuiness doesn’t see much room for improvement for a unit that will essentially be the same group—plus rookie Chad Thomas, and added experience for everyone else—that struggled to generate pressure without added help from additional blitzers last season.
Much is expected of the 2017 first overall draft pick Garrett, and after an impressive rookie season as a pass-rusher, he will need to carry the Browns pass-rush hopes as far as he can in Year 2.