The Cleveland Browns are making strategic moves as they prepare for the 2025 season, prioritizing the development of young talent that showed promise during a challenging 2024 campaign.
While the overall results were disappointing, several emerging players demonstrated that they could contribute at a high level moving forward.
Among those standouts, defensive end Isaiah McGuire has positioned himself as a cornerstone piece for the future.
Mac Blank of Dawg Pound Daily believes the team’s latest roster move will create opportunities for their rising star.
“Browns released Ogbo to give more reps to Isaiah McGuire. Last 9 games of the 2024 season (Z Smith traded week 10) – 20 pressures, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles. Very productive despite only 3 starts,” Mac wrote.
#Browns released Ogbo to give more reps to Isaiah McGuire
Last 9 games of the 2024 season
(Z Smith traded week 10)
-20 pressures
-6 TFLs
-2 sacks
-2 Forced FumblesVery productive despite only 3 starts #DawgPound
pic.twitter.com/SGXPA5ZsbX— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) June 26, 2025
The numbers tell a compelling story about McGuire’s rapid development.
After Za’Darius Smith’s midseason departure, the young pass rusher seized his chance and never looked back.
His performance earned him an 83.3 Pro Football Focus grade, ranking 11th among 211 qualified edge rushers.
McGuire’s production came despite limited starting opportunities, showcasing the kind of efficiency that catches the coaching staff’s attention.
His ability to generate consistent pressure while creating turnovers suggests he possesses the complete skill set needed for success at the next level.
The 2025 season presents both challenges and opportunities for McGuire’s continued growth.
Competition will intensify with Alex Wright returning from injury and rookie Mason Graham joining the rotation.
However, playing opposite Myles Garrett creates favorable matchups that could allow McGuire to flourish.
Cleveland’s defensive success often hinges on generating pressure beyond Garrett’s dominant presence.
McGuire appears ready to fill that void, potentially becoming the breakout star the Browns’ defense needs to compete in a division loaded with offensive talent.
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