Last season, the Cleveland Browns’ defensive unit was one of the best in the league. In 2026, they will try to hold themselves to a high standard, but that’ll be easier said than done. With that being said, many people are still excited to see what the Browns can do in the new season.
Writing for PFF, Gordon McGuinness ranked the team as the 12th-best defensive line in the NFL for 2026 but noted that they will be missing Myles Garrett.
“Trading for Jared Verse as part of the return for Myles Garrett was a shrewd move by the Browns, but there is still an inevitable drop-off from Garrett in 2026. Verse earned an 82.2 PFF pass-rush grade last season, compared to Garrett’s 93.3. Cleveland will also be hoping for a second-year leap from Mason Graham, its first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Graham showed plenty of promise as a rookie, earning a 68.7 PFF grade,” McGuinness wrote.
The Browns’ defense might still be impressive in the new season, but only if returning young players deliver, and Jared Verse does his best to make everyone forget about Garrett. Those are two tall orders, but there are reasons to be excited about this unit.
Verse has been very noteworthy during his first two seasons in the league, claiming a couple of Pro Bowl selections and being named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Could Defensive Player of the Year be in his future?
Verse has already shown he’s capable of a lot, but it’ll be up to other players like Graham to step up to the next level and show they can build upon their rookie campaigns. Graham in particular is one to watch, because his first season was filled with its fair share of ups and downs. Consistency will be key for him in the new season.
Letting go of Garrett was a massive move by the Browns, but many people believe the team made the best of that trade. All hope for the team’s defense isn’t lost.
In fact, a lot of fans feel that this could be the start of a promising new chapter, as long as everyone chips in.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Best-Case Scenario For Browns In 2026
