Not everything has gone perfect for the Cleveland Browns during the first two weeks of the regular season.
However, there have been a few bright spots for the team.
One of those things is the outstanding play by the Browns defensive line.
Both Myles Garrett and Sheldon Richardson were a big reason why the Browns won that Thursday contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browns DL Sheldon Richardson made an impact as a pass rusher and against the run in Week 2:
Pass Rush
→ 4 pressures, 3 hurries, 1 sack
→ 9.1% pressure rateRun Defense
→ 4 run tackles on 19 run snaps
→ On-Field: 2.4 rush YPP allowed (Off: 4.4 rush YPP)#CINvsCLE | #Browns— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 18, 2020
However, they weren’t the only players making an impact on the defensive line.
Rookie defensive tackle Jordan Elliott has been impressive through the first two weeks.
Pro Football Focus has Elliott ranked in the top 10 among interior defensive linemen this season.
What Has Elliott Done?
The performance by Elliott has been overlooked because of all the talent the Browns have on the d-line.
The third-round rookie has been making quite an impact early in the season.
PFF has given Elliott a 78.2 PFF grade so far, which is 10th among interior defensive linemen right now.
Jordan Elliott grade through two games: 78.2
🔸 1st among rookie DTs
🔸 10th among all NFL DTs pic.twitter.com/r1LMsgqUEV— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 22, 2020
Elliott has one pressure and has won 13 percent of his reps this season.
That puts him in the top 25 at his position at the moment.
His solid play last week was part of the reason that the Bengals were unable to run the ball successfully.
What Elliott has done might not show up on the stat sheet, but he’s still making a solid contribution to the team.
The 22-year-old could quickly work his way into a starting role sooner rather than later.
Why Having Elliott Is Important
The Browns are stacked on the d-line, so Elliott’s presence might not seem that important right now.
However, having him on the roster is useful right now and for the future.
While Elliott is a rotational player right now, he could be asked to step up next season.
Starting defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is set to become a free agent after the 2020 campaign.
The 26-year-old has quietly been one of the best options for Cleveland on the defensive line in quite some time.
However, it’s unclear if the organization plans to extend Ogunjobi after the season.
Cleveland might decide to let Ogunjobi walk and let Elliott start after the year.
Honestly, it’ll probably depend on how Elliott develops and performs this season.
Thus far, Elliott has proven to be a reliable option for the Browns.
Hopefully that continues to be the case versus the Washington Football Team in Week 3.
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I have been following thus young man’s career and he is astounding. He will be a tremendous asset to the Browns.