The Browns defense is full of new players who are all still learning about each other's tendencies and strengths on the field. But through the first few week of camp, it's clear the group hasn't had much issue building chemistry and meshing together, and that can be attributed to one key trait permeated throughout the whole unit: leadership.
The defense is full of established leaders at each level. Myles Garrett, of course, is the leader of the D-Line and entire defense, while free-agent addition Jadeveon Clowney brings eight years of leadership experience, too. DT Malik Jackson, a 10-year veteran, is one of the most experienced guys on the team. LB Anthony Walker Jr. was beloved in Indianapolis prior to joining the Browns as one of the most respected voices in the locker room, while S John Johnson III was a trusted and vocal leader of the Los Angeles Rams' defense for the last four seasons.
All those pieces have come together in Cleveland, and their leadership abilities are one reason why the defense has appeared to click well through the first 11 practices.
"Certainly, you look at our defense and (DE) Myles Garrett obviously," head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "but to bring in Malik, (LB) Anthony (Walker) and (S) John Johnson (III) all on three different levels and throw Troy Hill in the mix – guys who are not afraid to take leadership roles on is important when you are talking about a defense gelling or a team gelling."
Here's what else you might have missed from Day 11 of Training Camp.
Check out photos from the eleventh day of Browns Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Running Back Kareem Hunt (27) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Anthony Walker (4) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Safety John Johnson III (43) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Anthony Walker (4) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Defensive Backs Coach Jeff Howard during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Cornerback M.J. Stewart Jr. (36) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Damion Square during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Cornerback Kiondre Thomas (49) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Offensive tackle Drew Forbes (79) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Elijah Lee (52) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Cornerback Troy Hill (23) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Running Back Coach Stump Mitchell during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley (84) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Offensive tackle Chris Hubbard (74) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and Wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) and Wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Fullback Johnny Stanton (40) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Running back John Kelly (49) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Kyle Lauletta (17) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Offensive tackle Greg Senat (70) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Case Keenum (5) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Anthony Walker (4) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Center JC Tretter (64) and Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Linebacker Anthony Walker (4) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (12) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Quarterback Case Keenum (5) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during the eleventh day of training camp on August 10, 2021.
