Browns a future 4-3? (1 Viewer)

[Rozelle]

Crennel conceded that he considered switching his base defense to a 4-3 alignment earlier in the season, but when end Robaire Smith was lost for the season with an Achilles' injury in Game 2 "that option was taken away."

The Plain Dealer

Wonder who would have been the MLB? I always thought D'Qwell would be a better fit as a "mike" in a 4-3. It will be interesting to see how they play free agency and the draft next year, with or without Romeo.

 

[The Man With No Name]

They only have 4 draft picks and unless they sign one of the top free agent corners, that position should be an early priority. McDonald isn't cutting it as a starter. Bell would probably get a shot in the middle if they switch to a 4-3. I think D'Qwell could play outside. They have a lot of OLB/DE tweeners and a decision would have to made on what they want to do with them. Hmmm.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Crennel conceded that he considered switching his base defense to a 4-3 alignment earlier in the season, but when end Robaire Smith was lost for the season with an Achilles' injury in Game 2 "that option was taken away."

The Plain Dealer

Wonder who would have been the MLB? I always thought D'Qwell would be a better fit as a "mike" in a 4-3. It will be interesting to see how they play free agency and the draft next year, with or without Romeo.

Interesting. If you can generate enough pressure with your OLB and can't stop the run with three defensive linemen, one of which is Shaun Rogers, you may as well move to a 4-3. Jackson may have been an option inside, but I think Andra Davis would have been the MLB and Jackson the WLB. Probably a rotation everywhere but WLB, though, with Leon Williams remaining a nickel backer and a combination of players at end and SLB. Possible, but less likely that Jackson would have had the same production this season if this change had occurred. I think this could be potentially very good news for Beau Bell next season, but that's just idle speculation.

 

[Rozelle]

I’m not a Bell believer, at least not yet. Knocks on him coming out… doesn’t like to practice, mental and physical toughness questioned and has not been the most durable, battled a groin injury his sophomore season, and high ankle sprain ended his junior year in seventh game. This year had knee scoped back in early August to remove loose cartilage behind kneecap.

I think he fits best as a 34 ILB. MLB experience is minimal, in 41 games at UVLV, Bell had 26 starts, seven at “mike”, 19 at “will”. Should he find himself in the middle, stiff hips may limit him to a 2 down backer.