Cleveland Browns: 3 players who could surprise in 2021
By Kyle Edmond
Jordan Elliott, DT, Cleveland Browns
A third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jordan Elliott quietly played in all 16 games for the Browns last season. He was a bit stuck on the depth chart behind Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, but with both of those guys gone Elliott will have the chance to explode in 2021.
Cleveland’s defensive tackle position had a near overhaul this past year. Andrew Billings will return after opting out last year and the team signed free agents Malik Jackson and Sheldon Day. As for rookies, Cleveland selected Tommy Togiai in the fourth round and added Marvin Wilson after the draft as an undrafted free agent. The only one of the group that has played a down for Cleveland is Elliott.
He tallied 15 tackles last year over 16 games, but if you look at his college stats there’s clear potential. Playing in 22 games for Missouri in 2018 and 2019 combined, Elliott registered 68 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
The defensive tackle position might be the biggest question mark for Cleveland this season. There’s a lot of players there, but there isn’t “the guy” at the position. Elliott has the tools and potential to become “the guy.”
He was able to learn from Richardson and Ogunjobi last year and, like Bryant, has now had a full offseason with the team. Throw in the other veterans the team added who will help him and Elliott is set up for a breakout season.