During the first week of NFL free agency the Cleveland Browns have already added three defensive tackles to a group that struggled last season. While Dalvin Tomlinson is the big signing that will help the group there were some questions about the team signing Maurice Hurst. Due to injury Hurst has only played in two games in 2021 and missed the entire 2022 season.
This seems like the perfect low-risk high reward signing when you look at what Hurst can do if he is on the field. It is a massive risk if the team believes Hurst will be a starter with no backup plan but it’s easy to see why the Browns signed him.
Hurst is an impressive pass rusher from the interior that uses a quick first step and a high motor to get after the quarterback. He has good hands and can with power from time to time as well.
Though he is a better rusher than a run defender he isn’t a total liability in that area either. If he is healthy in 2023 he could provide a good situational pass rusher to rotate in the game. Time will tell if he can stay healthy but there is a contributor there if he can.
