It came as somewhat of a shock when the news broke that Cleveland had plans to fire defensive coordinator, Ray Horton. In 2013 the Browns were a top 10 defense in the NFL with Horton at the helm. He then left the team to become the defensive coordinator of the Titans after the firing of Cleveland head coach, Rob Chudzinski. Horton found himself back in Cleveland as the DC under new head coach, Hue Jackson, for the 2016 season. The defense looked terrible throughout the year, coming in at 31st overall, but all season, Cleveland had preached continuity so no major changes were expected. However, on Saturday, January 8th it was announced that former Rams defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, would be replacing Ray Horton in Cleveland.

Gregg Williams has over 10 years experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, most recently with the Los Angeles Rams. Historically Williams has run a 4-3 defense (four down linemen and three linebackers) which would bring more than just a coaching change to Cleveland. Under Horton the Browns traditionally ran a 3-4 defense (three down linemen and four linebackers), but began using more sub packages in 2016 to accommodate the players on the roster. Switching to a 4-3 would make a lot of sense for the Browns’ current defensive roster, as Ogbah and Nassib both played as 4-3 ends in college. This would also allow Cleveland to use the linebacking trio of Kirksey, Davis, and Collins, which is nothing to scoff at. Making the switch does raise the question of what to do with Shelton, he had showed that he can perform at an elite level in a base 3-4 defense in 2016. This is not something I would worry about too much, Williams had great success with Aaron Donald in his defense and Shelton actually played in a 4-3 back in his Washington days.

Bringing in Williams may also change how the Browns go about the draft. There has been a lot of talk that Cleveland plans to take Myles Garrett out of Texas A&M with the number one overall pick. Garrett is a 4-3 defensive end in his current scheme and making the switch to a 3-4 outside linebacker is something that can prove difficult for young players, just look at how poor ogbah looked in the first half of the 2016 season after making the same switch. The new changes would also increase the need for another defensive tackle to pair with big number 55 in the middle. Meder and Cooper could certainly fill the position as needed but drafting a more athletic defensive tackle such as Caleb Brantley out of Florida would be a great compliment to Shelton.





Another scenario to take note of with Williams joining the Browns is that the L.A. Rams have a few upcoming defensive free agents, namely; strong safety, T.J. McDonald, and cornerback, Trumaine Johnson. Those are two talented young players who already know Williams’ schemes so it would not be surprising if the Browns were to make a move for either of those players in the upcoming window. The Cleveland secondary was abysmal in 2016 surrendering three more passing touchdowns than any other team in the league so adding these players makes sense. Williams coming to Cleveland will bring change but it is not a cause for concern. The Browns’ defensive personnel is not married to one system and Williams has been successful moving players around, such as converting Mark Barron from safety to outside linebacker, in order to make his defense work with the players given to him.