Thread Rating:
  • 1 Vote(s) - 5 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Cleveland Browns' 2018 free agency: Versatile Chris Smith provides DL depth
#2
(03-13-2018, 06:49 PM)Vambo Wrote: Cleveland Browns' 2018 free agency: Versatile Chris Smith provides DL depth

http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/271292/cleveland-browns-2018-free-agency-versatile-chris-smith-provides-dl-depth

A breakdown of the Cleveland Browns' 2018 free-agent signings.
Chris Smith, defensive lineman

The Browns agreed to sign defensive lineman Chris Smith, who played last season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Here's a closer look at the signing:

Grade: C-plus. Smith fits in the Browns rotation of defensive linemen, and fits with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' desire to find active tackles in the 4-3. He can play inside or out and had three sacks last season. He's a nice player and a hard worker, but he's always been used as a backup and last season was the first he played 16 games.


What it means: The Browns need depth on the defensive front and Smith can play tackle or end. At 266 pounds, he's undersized to play the run, but can be effective in pass-rush packages. He seems to be improving, as he had career highs in games played (16), sacks (three) and tackles (17) in Cincinnati last season after being traded from Jacksonville. The Browns can use him inside or out, but with the trade of Danny Shelton, the Browns needed depth on the defensive front. Smith gives them that. The Browns also will give Smith a three-year deal worth $14 million, which shows they feel good about him.

What's the risk: Hard to see a huge risk here. Smith is a nice and improving player who can fit into defensive packages designed by Willliams. Aaron Donald he's not; the Browns are getting a guy who played about 30 percent of the Bengals' defensive snaps. This is a signing based on scouting and based on the belief that the Browns are getting an improving player with potential.

Tyrod Taylor
 Jarvis Landry
 Carlos Hyde
 Terrance Mitchell
T.J. Carrie
 Jarvis Landry
 Damarious Randall
 Chris Hubbard
 Chris Smith
Donald Stephenson
 Darren Fells

The Browns have officially brought in half of a full 22-man unit this offseason thus far and the draft has yet to begin.

https://twitter.com/H_Grove/status/974007050316300288
When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less.

Paul Brown
Reply/Quote





Messages In This Thread
RE: Cleveland Browns' 2018 free agency: Versatile Chris Smith provides DL depth - Vambo - 03-14-2018, 04:50 PM

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)