Hot Takes, Predictions for Browns' Most Impactful Free-Agent Signings

It became obvious early this offseason that the Cleveland Browns wanted to upgrade their defense heading into the 2023 season. That's because most of the money they spent during free agency went toward defensive players.

The Browns needed to get stronger on that side of the ball, especially in stopping opposing rushing attacks. In 2022, they ranked 25th in the NFL in run defense with 135 rushing yards allowed per game.

Cleveland added several notable players to its defensive front, while also further improving its secondary. Will that be enough to make the unit among the league's best, though?

Here are some hot takes and predictions regarding several of the Browns' top free-agent acquisitions, all of whom are defensive players.

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

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BEREA, OHIO - MAY 24: Dalvin Tomlinson #94 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 24, 2023 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

One of Cleveland's top needs entering the offseason was a starting-caliber defensive tackle who could anchor the interior of the team's D-line. The Browns acquired just that when they signed Dalvin Tomlinson to a four-year, $57 million deal, the largest contract they've handed out since free agency began this year.

Tomlinson has six years of NFL experience and is still only 29, so he likely has plenty of productive seasons still ahead of him. He's been reliable and consistent throughout his career, having started 93 career games—64 for the New York Giants from 2017-20 and 29 for the Minnesota Vikings over the past two seasons.

Although the Alabama product has racked up 39 or more tackles in each year of his career, he's never recorded more than 3.5 sacks in a season. That could change in 2023, though, as he may benefit from teams having to pay close attention to Myles Garrett.

On a unit featuring Garrett and Za'Darius Smith, Tomlinson could thrive on the inside. So, don't be surprised if he sets a new career best for sacks during his first year in Cleveland.

Prediction: Tomlinson finishes with four or more sacks

Juan Thornhill, S

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BEREA, OHIO - MAY 31: Juan Thornhill #1 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a play during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 31, 2023 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

While the Browns mostly addressed their defensive front this offseason, they added to their secondary as well. They signed safety Juan Thornhill to a three-year, $21 million deal, and he should immediately slot into a starting role.

The Browns are parting ways with John Johnson III (who remains a free agent), so Thornhill will fill that spot at the back of their defense. He spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, playing in 65 games and making 52 starts over that span.

Last year, the 27-year-old notched a career high-tying three interceptions while also setting a personal best with 71 tackles and recording his first NFL sack. There's a good chance he'll build on that performance and put up even better numbers in 2023.

The prediction here is that while Thornhill may not force as many turnovers with so many other playmakers in Cleveland's secondary, he should rack up a lot of tackles. He should blow past the 71 he made last season and set another career high.

Prediction: Thornhill finishes with more than 71 tackles

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE

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BEREA, OHIO - MAY 31: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #54 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during the Cleveland Browns OTAs at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 31, 2023 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

It seemed possible Ogbonnia Okoronkwo could earn a starting role with the Browns after he signed a three-year, $19 million deal earlier this offseason. However, the team then traded for Za'Darius Smith, who became the clear starter on the opposite side of the defensive line from Garrett.

That will likely move Okoronkwo into a depth role. The edge-rusher could still get considerable time on the field, but not nearly as much now that Smith is in the fold.

Okoronkwo doesn't have a long track record. He had five sacks in 17 games for the Houston Texans last season, but he had only 4.5 total in 33 games over the previous three years with the Los Angeles Rams. He also had never started a game until starting eight in 2022.

While the 28-year-old is a solid player, it's going to be tough for him to get five sacks again in his first year in Cleveland, where Garrett, Smith and the starting DTs are all likely to get plenty. Because of that, his sack total won't be nearly as impressive this upcoming season.

Prediction: Okoronkwo finishes with fewer than three sacks