Improving the defensive line is the number one priority for the Cleveland Browns and they have begun to do that by signing former Houston Texans pass rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo. His deal will be worth about $6.3 million per year, with the first two years guaranteed. Though some might not look at this like a huge signing Okoronkwo is an underrated young player that has just recently started to come into his own last season.
Amongst edge rushers, last season Okronkwo was graded as the 12th best edge in overall defensive grade with the 10th best pass rush grade amongst his position according to PFF. It’s not just PFF giving him credit either as ESPN had him as number 13 in the NFL in terms of pass rush win rate at 19 percent for 2022.
Okoronkwo accomplished all this while being the main threat in Houston which is not something he will see in Cleveland. After seeing a lot of double teams last year he will be getting a ton of one on one opportunities opposite Garrett in Jim Schwartz’s system. This is a high-quality signing and an overall upgrade for a team that needs to add talent to the defensive line.
ED Ogbo Okoronkwo should be a #Browns FA target this offseason 👀
PFF Rank for EDs (min 20%)
Defensive Grade – 12th of 129
Pass Rush Grade – 10th of 129Current Age – 27.6
RAS – 8.7 https://t.co/oCz7wFM0Yo— Jack Duffin (@JackDuffin) December 26, 2022