The Cleveland Browns’ defense was in good shape last season, and it will have to stay that way in 2026, or else they could take a step backward. The defensive unit is going through massive changes, which means every player needs to continue showing up and adjusting to new leadership and a new-look roster.
Writing for Cleveland.com, Terry Pluto talked about two defensive players who could get another big chance to shine in the new season: Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr.
As noted by Pluto, neither of these men has proven themselves yet, but the Browns are expecting big things from them in the months ahead.
“It’s not exciting to talk about positions other than quarterback, but the Browns believe defensive tackles Mason Graham and Mike Hall Jr. are set to make a significant impact. Graham was their first-round pick in 2025, Hall a second-round pick in 2024. Neither has made an immediate major impact. The Browns believe that can change,” Pluto wrote.
Hall has racked up 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks during his 17 games with the Browns across two seasons. He didn’t get any starts last year, but he could earn a more permanent spot in the rotation under a new defensive coordinator and head coach.
As for Graham, he was the subject of a lot of attention last season after he was chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Browns. Fans expected big things from him and, sadly, he ran into a few problems during his rookie campaign. It seemed like he was having a difficult time adjusting to playing, but he started to get the hang of things as the season came to a close.
There is hope that an offseason of practice and guidance from new coaches might keep Graham on the right track and could turn him into an impactful part of the lineup. The Browns’ defense received a lot of praise last season, but it obviously won’t look the same in the new season. They lost their DC, several players, and a future Hall of Famer in Myles Garrett.
All of that could lead to trouble for them, but it could also open the door for multiple young stars to step up and take control.
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