Fans hoped for more from Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry this week.
But at least he made a move to address the team’s defensive line woes.
Namely, he pilfered a 2022 UDFA off an opponent’s practice squad to replace another 2022 UDFA.
Rookie Ben Stille was signed to the Browns’ active roster just one day after the team waived Roderick Perry II.
Cleveland is signing DT Ben Stille off Miami’s practice squad.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2022
Not exactly the earth-shattering shakeup and purge likely needed to snap Joe Woods’ unit out of a coma.
But it’s a little something and isn’t likely to hurt the Browns’ situation or impact their 2023 salary cap.
And that seems to be the primary thought process behind Berry’s midseason moves so far.
Here are 3 things to know about the Browns’ new defensive lineman, Ben Stille.
Half Of Stille’s NFL Tackles Go For a Loss
Well, it might be too early to discern any kind of pattern in Ben Stille’s NFL game.
It took a strong camp and preseason showing to earn Stille a practice squad spot in Miami.
And so far, he has only been active for one game when he filled in for an injured teammate.
ben stille with a sack pic.twitter.com/DhAcU21ulV
— josh houtz (@houtz) August 21, 2022
He played just 9 defensive snaps against Pittsburgh and got credit for 2 assisted tackles.
But one of those tackles went for a 3-yard loss as Stille met Najee Harris in the backfield.
And we’re sure his Pro Bowl teammate, Melvin Ingram, appreciated the help.
Stille Can Help Browns Offense, Special Teams
Ben Stille only played defense at Nebraska, displaying strength, speed, and versatility on the front line.
But he could have been even more versatile if the Cornhuskers used his other talents.
With a receiving line of 52/1152/18 over 3 seasons, some colleges undoubtedly considered Stille a tight-end talent.
New #Browns DT Ben Stille is super athletic and was very good in his 9 snaps this year. Small sample but worth a shot!
Great pickup by Andrew Berry 🔥 https://t.co/KpT04P41Bt pic.twitter.com/WkeDcziM80
— Jack Duffin (@JackDuffin) November 15, 2022
And if playing both sides of the ball wasn’t versatile enough, Stille was also an accomplished kicker and punter.
He was successful on 46 of 49 extra points and added 3 field goals as a senior.
Multiple colleges made offers, including Ohio State, but Stille’s heart was set on attending Nebraska.
Another Smart Guy
Still played 5 seasons at Nebraska after redshirting his freshman year.
And before you think he needed the extra time, well… he did.
How else was he going to enter the NFL with a Master’s Degree in nutrition and health sciences in hand?
Highest graded Dolphins against Tampa Bay (min. 10 snaps)
1️⃣ Elijah Campbell: 92.3
2️⃣ Channing Tindall: 86.9
3️⃣ Duke Riley: 82.1
4️⃣ Ben Stille: 82.0
5️⃣ Cameron Goode: 79.0 pic.twitter.com/7HTqTx2Xck— PFF MIA Dolphins (@PFF_Dolphins) August 14, 2022
Stille finished his bachelor’s work in 2019 and remained eligible while he completed his master’s.
Nebraska isn’t exactly an Ivy League school like Harvard or Yale.
But Stille can probably keep up with the conversations among the Berea brain trust.
NEXT: Browns Nation News And Notes (11/15/22)
He sounds like a smart guy, probably a good guy as well…but for goodness sakes, he’s just replacement for someone just like him. Berry must think this is fantast football, because if he thinks this guy is going to turn into another Ndamukong Suh he is delusional! Good Lord, man!
Nothing is going to change when Watson is able to play, it’s not the offense that’s having the problems it’s the defense, offense has done it’s job most of the time the defense has let this team down, Browns should be no worse than 6-3 if it wasn’t for the crappy defense, and worthless defensive coordinator joe i don’t know what I’m doing woods, this is also on berry cause he won’t get rid of the bum!!!