Key Takeaways:
– ESPN’s Matt Bowen considers the Cleveland Browns as an ideal team for free agent Yannick Ngakoue.
– Previously playing with the Chicago Bears, Ngakoue can add edge depth to the Browns.
– Last season, Ngakoue recorded four sacks and 20 pressures with the Bears.
– The Browns’ defensive performance improved drastically from 2022 to 2023, notably in the sack category.
– Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo aims to exceed double digits in sacks this year.
As the Cleveland Browns look to build a stronger team for the upcoming season, news emerges from ESPN’s Matt Bowen who believes former Chicago Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue would be a great fit for the team’s current composition. Ngakoue, who is presently a free agent, can fulfill one of the few needs the Browns have on their roster: a solid defense.
Understanding Yannick Ngakoue’s Role on the Team
“The Browns have edge depth, led by 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, but this move would be more about adding a designated pass-rusher in Ngakoue,” Bowen points out. Ngakoue had a commendable performance last season in Chicago, recording four sacks and 20 pressures, bringing his professional count to 69 career sacks over nine seasons. Engaging Ngakoue on a one-year deal would give defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz an additional rusher for real passing situations.
Analyzing Browns’ Defensive Performance
The addition of Ngakoue will help further strengthen the improved performance of the Browns’ defense. In the transition from 2022 to 2023, the Browns boasted a massive improvement in their defensive stats, particularly in the sack category. As a team, the Browns moved from 34 sacks two seasons ago to 49 last season, making them the sixth-leading NFL team in this category.
Myles Garrett, who achieved his first Defensive Player of the Year victory, was the only player with spectacular double-digit numbers, amassing 14 sacks. Za’Darius Smith, another starting defensive end, managed the next best performance with 5.5 sacks. Ngakoue’s addition could supplement the squad’s performance further.
The Winning History of Ngakoue’s Career
Ngakoue’s professional career demonstrates his high potential if he remains in good health. In his first seven professional campaigns, Ngakoue recorded a minimum of eight sacks each year, according to Pro Football Reference data. His tally of only four sacks last season with the Bears was a career low, influenced by an injury that kept him away from four games. Bears’ addition of another pass rusher at the trade deadline also played a part in Ngakoue’s decreased figures last season.
Browns’ Strategic Move with Ogbo Okoronkwo
To strengthen their defense, the Browns strategically played former linebacker turned defensive end/edge-rush specialist Ogbo Okoronkwo, who has shown his determination to double his sack count this year. Despite the expected boost from Okoronkwo, the Browns could benefit significantly from signing Ngakoue for a year.
In conclusion, the Browns’ move to sign Ngakoue seems a prudent strategy in building a solid defense. By adding an experienced player like Ngakoue, the Browns can ensure a deeper edge depth and a stronger pass-rushing rotation needed to excel in the upcoming season.