The Cleveland Browns have signed former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman, Sheldon Richardson. The deal will go official at the start of the league year.
The interior of the Cleveland defensive line was a major weakness and it’s no secret that the depth behind Larry Ogunjobi is lacking. Even with the addition of Richardson, the Browns may consider shoring up the position even further through the Draft.
Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6-2
Weight: 294 pounds
2018 Team: Minnesota Vikings
Richardson brings a dynamic pass rush from the interior and will provide the perfect compliment to Larry Ogunjobi. The Missouri alum can play the defensive tackle role in a 4-3 or the nose tackle role in a 3-4. He is easily a top 15 interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
Richardson is only 28 years old and still has the potential to become and even more dangerous threat from the interior.
It is rare for any team to accomplish the feat of having four elite starters along the defensive front, but with Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Larry Ogunjobi and now Sheldon Richardson added to the fold, Cleveland has accomplished just that. It is not far-fetched to claim that the Browns have the best defensive line in the NFL and that this front is the new team strength.
Cleveland is hoping that Richardson can ride the momentum of another excellent season, where he tallied 49 tackles, six tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Few defensive tackles have the type of athleticism and versatility Richardson has, but he can really thrive causing havoc against the pass and run from the three-technique. Richardson consistently disrupts offensive game-plans and that is something every franchise needs.
