Five Browns Players Who Could Propel the Defense Back to Elite Status in 2025
The Cleveland Browns have long been a team with strong potential but have struggled to consistently maintain an elite defense. Over recent seasons, a key reason for the Browns’ defensive woes has been the absence or inconsistent performance of some of their defensive stars. Heading into 2025, however, the Browns are poised for a defensive resurgence, driven by five key players who were previously sidelined, injured, or underperforming but now look ready to return and lead the Browns’ defense back to elite territory.
Here’s a closer look at these five Browns players and how their return could redefine Cleveland’s defensive identity in 2025.
1. Myles Garrett – The Defensive Titan Returns
No discussion about the Browns’ defense is complete without starting with Myles Garrett, arguably one of the most dominant defensive ends in the NFL. Garrett’s explosive power, relentless pass rush, and ability to disrupt offenses have made him the cornerstone of the Browns’ defense.
Unfortunately, Garrett missed significant time due to injury and some off-field distractions in the past few seasons. His absence created a void in the Browns’ pass rush that was difficult to fill. But the good news for Cleveland is that Myles Garrett is on track for a full comeback in 2025.
With his strength, speed, and technique fully restored, Garrett’s return will not only improve the Browns’ ability to pressure quarterbacks but also force offenses to dedicate extra blockers to him, freeing up other defenders to make plays. His presence alone elevates the entire defensive front and signals a return to elite status for Cleveland’s defense.
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – Versatile Playmaker Back in Action
The Browns’ linebacker corps has suffered from inconsistency and injuries in recent years, but Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a player who can change that narrative. Known for his exceptional instincts, coverage skills, and tackling ability, Owusu-Koramoah is a versatile linebacker who can guard tight ends, cover running backs, and blitz the quarterback effectively.
Unfortunately, Owusu-Koramoah missed large portions of previous seasons due to injury, leaving a critical hole in the Browns’ linebacker group. As he returns fully healthy in 2025, Owusu-Koramoah’s impact could be transformational.
His ability to cover the middle of the field and support against both the run and the pass will greatly enhance the Browns’ defensive versatility. This versatility is essential in today’s NFL where offenses are increasingly dynamic, forcing defenses to adapt quickly.
3. Taven Bryan – Emerging Defensive Line Force
While Myles Garrett grabs headlines, Taven Bryan is a less heralded but equally important player on the Browns’ defensive front. Bryan is a powerful defensive tackle known for his ability to clog running lanes and collapse pockets from the interior.
In previous seasons, Bryan struggled with injuries and inconsistent playing time, which limited his impact. However, Bryan has been quietly developing his technique and conditioning during his downtime and is expected to return stronger and more focused for the 2025 season.
A dominant interior defensive lineman like Bryan is crucial for any elite defense because he can disrupt the run game and create opportunities for edge rushers like Garrett. His return will allow Cleveland to play more aggressively upfront and control the line of scrimmage, a hallmark of top defenses.
4. Denzel Ward – Cornerback Ready to Reclaim His Form
In the secondary, Denzel Ward has been a game-changer when healthy. Known for his elite speed, coverage skills, and ball-hawking ability, Ward has the potential to lock down the opposing team’s top receivers. However, injuries have limited his availability and effectiveness in recent years.
Ward’s return to full health in 2025 could be the difference-maker for the Browns’ secondary, which struggled at times to contain explosive passing offenses. When Ward is on the field and playing at his best, he elevates the entire defensive backfield.
His ability to shut down one side of the field gives defensive coordinators more freedom to design pressure packages and blitzes, knowing Ward can handle his coverage responsibilities. This kind of shutdown cornerback presence is critical for elite defenses.
5. Grant Delpit – Safety with a Nose for the Ball
Rounding out the Browns’ defensive resurgence is Grant Delpit, a safety known for his intelligence, range, and playmaking instincts. Delpit missed substantial time early in his Browns career due to injuries but has shown flashes of brilliance when on the field.
Safeties who can patrol deep zones and read the offense effectively are invaluable in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Delpit’s return in 2025 gives the Browns a much-needed safety presence who can help anchor the secondary, communicate defensive adjustments, and deliver key interceptions or tackles.
His leadership and ability to support both the run and pass defense will be vital for the Browns as they seek to limit big plays and force turnovers — essential elements of an elite defense.
Why These Five Players Matter
Together, these five players represent a balanced mix of pass rush, run defense, and secondary coverage. The Browns’ struggles over recent seasons can be traced to their inability to consistently field this core group due to injuries and absences. Now, the pieces are falling into place.
- Pass Rush: Myles Garrett leads the charge, with Taven Bryan providing interior disruption.
- Linebacker Versatility: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah adds flexibility against both run and pass.
- Secondary Strength: Denzel Ward offers shutdown corner ability, and Grant Delpit brings safety help and playmaking.
If these five players return to form and stay healthy throughout 2025, Cleveland’s defense will not only improve statistically but could reclaim a reputation as one of the NFL’s most feared units.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The Browns’ front office and coaching staff have invested heavily in developing these players and building around them. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods, known for his aggressive and creative schemes, will have the luxury of deploying this talented group in a variety of ways to confuse and overwhelm opponents.
Fans should expect the Browns to be much more competitive defensively in 2025. From forcing more sacks and tackles for loss to generating turnovers and shutting down top receivers, the defense’s elite potential is finally within reach.
The challenge remains keeping these key players healthy and maintaining consistency throughout the grueling NFL season. But with the return of Garrett, Owusu-Koramoah, Bryan, Ward, and Delpit, Cleveland’s defense has the talent and leadership it needs to climb back to elite status.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns have long been known for their passionate fan base and offensive talent. However, the defense has too often been a weak link — until now. The return of these five crucial players in 2025 signals a major shift.
With Myles Garrett’s dominant pass rush, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s versatile linebacker play, Taven Bryan’s interior disruption, Denzel Ward’s lockdown coverage, and Grant Delpit’s savvy safety presence, the Browns are well-positioned to reclaim a top-tier defense.
If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, 2025 could be the year the Browns defense reestablishes itself among the NFL’s elite — a transformation fans have been waiting for.
