Look at just about any recap of the Cleveland Browns offseason and you’ll see Odell Beckham Jr. and Sheldon Richardson trumpeted as prominent new additions. Most mention Kareem Hunt as well.
Some will bring up Olivier Vernon, but the new Browns pass rusher is often an afterthought. The lack of respect for the former Giant is easy to see. This is an EDGE who bagged seven sacks in just 11 games last season and made the Pro Bowl, after all.
Pro Football Focus and analyst Mike Renner appreciate Vernon’s presence in Cleveland. Renner named Vernon the most underrated pass rusher in his list of PFF’s top underrated players at each position.
Note the win rate on pass rushes. Vernon is one of the hardest EDGEs to block, and it helps him impact the offense even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback.
