Top 4 Defensive Tackles Cleveland Browns Could Add After Phil Taylor's Injury

The news that Phil Taylor has possibly torn a pectoral muscle and may require surgery, has created a sizeable hole at the heart of the Cleveland Browns defensive line (via Cleveland.com) The team added John Hughes and Billy Winn via the draft, but could consider bringing in some veteran help.

Here are the four best free-agent defensive tackles the Browns should consider. 

Aubrayo Franklin, New Orleans Saints

Aubrayo Franklin may have struggled to make the move from 3-4 nose tackle to active plugger in a four-man line, but his two-gap skills could be ideal for the Browns' version of the 4-3.

Coordinator Dick Jauron likes his tackles to two-gap and hold up blockers in the middle and Franklin is an ideal fit for that kind of role. The 6'1" 317-pounder is a force in the middle and can act as the focal point of a run defense.

With Franklin taking on double teams, there should be plenty of lanes open for D'Qwell Jackson and Co. to fill. That dynamic could go a long way to fixing Cleveland's 30th-ranked rush defense. 

Tommie Harris, San Diego Chargers

Tommie Harris played for Jauron with the Chicago Bears and would give Cleveland's defensive front a more active penetrator along the interior. The 29-year-old can still shoot the gaps from the three-technique position.

His ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage could help draw blockers away from Jabaal Sheard and Ahtyba Rubin. Durability issues make Harris a risk, but when healthy, he can still be a playmaker on the front. 

John Henderson, Oakland Raiders

Released by the Oakland Raiders in March, 33-year-old John Henderson still has the skills to be a useful asset in the middle of a four-man front. He may have lost his initial quickness, but Henderson's massive frame and natural power still make him a force against the run.

At 6'7" and 335 pounds, the 10-year veteran can absorb blockers in the middle and create plenty of push on the pocket. With raw youngsters like Hughes and Winn needing time to develop, Henderson's savvy would prove invaluable to a youthful Browns defense. 

Marcus Thomas, Denver Broncos

Marcus Thomas is a resourceful and active tackle who can play in a shade technique or head-up on an offensive lineman. However, the 26-year-old will never post highlight-worthy plays, having registered only one sack in five seasons.

Nevertheless, Thomas is a stout interior lineman with the strength and tenacity to be an effective run-stopper. If the Browns want to continue constructing a young roster, Thomas would be the way to go. 

Conclusion

Taylor's loss is certainly bad news for the development of a burgeoning Browns defense. He was expected to build on a solid rookie campaign and continue forming a fearsome partnership with Rubin.

The Browns have already used free agency to improve the defensive end rotation. If the results of Taylor's MRI reveal the worse, they should test the market again to maintain the strength in the middle of their defense.