3 things to watch during Browns OTAs

The 2024 season will be the second season under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, after a successful first season in his defensive scheme where the Browns led the league in total defense and passing defense. They limited teams to an average of 270.2 total year per game and 164.7 passing yards per game. They also led the NFL in third down percentage at 29.1 percent.

With the return of key defensive players after the Browns re-signed DE Za’Darius Smith, DT Shelby Harris, DT Maurice Hurst II and S Rodney McLeod Jr., as well as additions of DT Quinton Jefferson, CB Tony Brown, CB Justin Hardee Sr., LB Devin Bush and LB Jordan Hicks, the Browns have the pieces to run it back with a dominant defense once again.

The Browns can use OTAs to establish a dominant defensive front seven and secondary for the 2024 season. The next three weeks will provide an early look at how the new additions fit into Schwartz’s defensive scheme, pair next to their established core defensive linemen and re-build their linebacker room.