As a rookie in 2018, Genard Avery played a significant role in the Cleveland Browns defense. The fifth-rounder from Memphis was on the field for 600 snaps and proved a valuable pass rusher from the outside linebacker spot.

After notching 4.5 sacks among his 40 total tackles in 2018, Avery has completely disappeared in 2019. He’s played exactly two snaps through the first five weeks, both in the Week 3 matchup with the Rams. Avery has been a healthy scratch three times, including the last two weeks.

Why?

There are a few reasons why Avery has faded into Browns oblivion. Foremost is the scheme change.

Last year’s defense featured three linebackers on the field at all times. That’s what former coordinator Gregg Williams demands from his version of the 4-3 defense. Avery took over as that third LB (with Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins) when Christian Kirksey went on injured reserve halfway through the season.

In new coordinator Steve Wilks’ defense, the Browns almost exclusively play two LBs. Schobert and Mack Wilson are the duo, with the more athletic and diversely skilled Wilson taking over this season when Kirksey was once again lost with injury. Newcomer Adarius Taylor is the third LB, a lither athlete who brings veteran experience and some coverage ability.

Ah, the coverage. Avery was brutal in coverage as a rookie. Tight hips and poor instincts made him an obvious target for opposing offenses anytime they could get him in space. Pro Football Focus graded Avery’s coverage at 28.2 after he allowed a 115.2 passer rating when targeted. That ranked 95th out of 95 qualifying LBs. He simply isn’t athletic enough to play the OLB role in Wilks’ defense, which demands far more range and spatial awareness than what Williams required.

Alright, so play Avery at defensive end. He’s got the power and the moves to operate with a hand in the dirt. It’s probably his best role, based on how he played at Memphis and what he showed as a Browns rookie.

The problem here is the Browns are very deep at that position in 2019. Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon are unquestioned as the starters. Chris Smith was fantastic in training camp and the preseason as the top reserve; he earned the No. 3 role. Chad Thomas, a third-round pick in 2018, has stepped up his game in his second season and seized the No. 4 role.

Thomas was better in run defense throughout the offseason, and it’s translated to the regular season. Avery is probably a better pass rusher than Thomas, but his inability to do anything effectively aside from rushing the passer is a problem. He doesn’t contribute on special teams, which could be an edge to get back into the lineup.

That leaves Avery as a healthy scratch. He’s got some value as pass rushing depth if anyone above him gets injured, which seems to be the only reason why he’s not being actively mentioned on the trade market.