Position Preview
Photos: 2024 Position Preview - Defensive Line
The league's top defense ran it back with their defensive line during free agency, re-signing Harris, Hurst and Smith to contracts. Alongside Garrett and Okoronkwo, they kept their core unit together. The "engine" of the defense is fueled by veteran players who all helped the Browns defense excel in 2023. As a unit, they led the NFL in total defense – allowing just 270.2 yards per game – and passing defense – allowing 164.7 yards per game.
![20231119-RK-19](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/asiraxbo1njy8u1lkv5o.jpg)
![Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/limrk5zlthbfltyoc1er.jpg)
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.
![Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during OTA 3 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 23, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/oxwgshzb30mzgxath9ky.jpg)
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during OTA 3 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 23, 2024.
![Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 27-0.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/f41awccajbgbnvyhyyap.jpg)
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 27-0.
![Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/ynxy09wpxqfscn7qqypk.jpg)
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2024.
![Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 31 - 27.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/ilpuduazhhmmwau7nzio.jpg)
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 31 - 27.
![Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) during the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/mn1k04nxzfxggjqnqnkt.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) during the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
![Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/mfs5uhwtct6qpk3nz34e.jpg)
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.
![Defensive end Alex Wright (91) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts on October 22, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Browns won 39-38.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/illsrwnsfpopv3ziwqxw.jpg)
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts on October 22, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Browns won 39-38.
![Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 27-0.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/xdgk5qsujx8soc8flwur.jpg)
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns on November 5, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 27-0.
![Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) during the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/gf8hgievvfvdvs3ifapu.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) during the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
![Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during OTA 6 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 30, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/v8h9bksg1mnybhd9boxu.jpg)
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during OTA 6 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 30, 2024.
![Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football on September 18, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 22-26.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/iqxhap18vp2xx6dur1cs.jpg)
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football on September 18, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 22-26.
![Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/vqxcryyac82ojmyvoehs.jpg)
Defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (72) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.
![Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) before the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/wqfjphesh6n9ymqmbv0a.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (58) before the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
![Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on November 19, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 13-10.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/oaulpwpuw3defihocnew.jpg)
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) during a NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on November 19, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 13-10.
![Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/gusqdkiwuacjt3x8l3ud.jpg)
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during the third day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 13, 2024.
![Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams on December 3, 2023 at SoFi Stadium. The Browns lost 19-36.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/oviqihvujdmpm8hmnxri.jpg)
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams on December 3, 2023 at SoFi Stadium. The Browns lost 19-36.
![Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns and Eagles tied 18-18.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/vetrirsaxlwrbqbmtzej.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns and Eagles tied 18-18.
![Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/nnniy4oiu80phl7ge88l.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.
![Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a workout on the first day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/fxe3skqfhwpi698cp16f.jpg)
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a workout on the first day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2024.
![Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during OTA 6 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 30, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/jkapx0r8vaoppddg3za3.jpg)
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during OTA 6 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 30, 2024.
![Defensive end Alex Wright (91), Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) and Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football on September 18, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 22-26.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/akgz0t2xae0it3x81uzj.jpg)
Defensive end Alex Wright (91), Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) and Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football on September 18, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 22-26.
![Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns and Eagles tied 18-18.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/vk8ewxe17vtobhrmybju.jpg)
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns and Eagles tied 18-18.
![Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/iihhk4pmokyjlqskkoh9.jpg)
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.
![Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/wpn35cziwg0crp4gus6v.jpg)
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.
![Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/sze80teer5wsxizzagvh.jpg)
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.
![Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a workout on the second day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 11, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/hhg6pvckvutjgncwvm1w.jpg)
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a workout on the second day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 11, 2024.
![Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during a workout on the first day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/hdhvhthkugqtyj2ijvm3.jpg)
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during a workout on the first day of Rookie Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2024.
![Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL Wild Card playoff football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on January 13, 2024 at NRG Stadium. The Browns lost 14-45.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/tjesulupjmhrdqjmg4c5.jpg)
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL Wild Card playoff football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on January 13, 2024 at NRG Stadium. The Browns lost 14-45.
![Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/xvhfuzctlwvkxyumgddv.jpg)
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.
![Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a workout in Phase II of the offseason at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 7, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/jsgu95lladvnlsltxir9.jpg)
Defensive tackle Chris Williams (98) during a workout in Phase II of the offseason at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 7, 2024.
![Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/rwrto1sbtuogn7xnjcr2.jpg)
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on January 7, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 14-31.
![Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/r7qk3hmqmbojv8q5nygr.jpg)
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) before a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.
![Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during OTA 1 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 21, 2024.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/wvc1pv9pasklksapnodn.jpg)
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (53) during OTA 1 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 21, 2024.
![Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) after a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/esdxoggajeaasv6hxbed.jpg)
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) after a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.
![Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/gwhssdagwwwgkkiqhgv7.jpg)
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.
![Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) after a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 31 - 27.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/obtmxlenrcssbo08ynx1.jpg)
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (90) after a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on December 10, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 31 - 27.
![Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/hqg5xwc9ksfhwed13e3p.jpg)
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.
![Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/do54dvwyhiszogo6ghjq.jpg)
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.
![Defensive end Alex Wright (91) after a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/ayh6xit2qvppulopyet3.jpg)
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) after a NFL football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on December 28, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 37-20.
![Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/zil6ekvz6beimoiv2xrn.jpg)
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.
![Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/n7emmbhqtwegy8hoxban.jpg)
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.
![Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/yarbocrrp7fhhwybgbpd.jpg)
Defensive tackle Siaki Ika (62) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on December 17, 2023 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns won 20-17.
![Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/browns/n2xhoiityqcz8nuejkmh.jpg)
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) after a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 24, 2023 at NRG Stadium. The Browns won 36-22.