Jim Schwartz makes Browns contender for big D-tackle upgrade
BEREA — Jim Schwartz endeared himself to many Browns fans Wednesday.
He took a trip down memory lane and discussed cutting his NFL teeth in Cleveland as a scout under coach Bill Belichick from 1993-95. He emphasized the importance of holding the best Browns players accountable to establish the culture he’ll seek as the franchise’s new defensive coordinator.
Refreshing sound bites amounted to Schwartz “winning” his introductory news conference at team headquarters, but all involved realize words don’t matter unless actions validate them.
Schwartz, 56, won’t have a chance in earnest to prove he can spearhead a turnaround for the Browns defense until September.
However, he can assist the organization this offseason in positioning the defense to succeed, and the interior of the defensive line must be the top priority on his side of the ball.
Under the regime led by General Manager Andrew Berry, coach Kevin Stefanski and Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta, the Browns have neglected the defensive tackle spots. They have settled for bargain hunting instead of shopping for proven commodities. With how they’ve chosen to allot their resources since 2020, there is ample evidence they do not consider defensive tackle a premium position.
With Schwartz’s arrival, the days of forsaking clear-cut upgrades for the middle of the D-line are numbered.
Cleveland Browns hire Jim Schwartz:Robaire Smith on Jim Schwartz-Myles Garrett combo with Browns: ‘It could get scary, man’
Regardless of which defensive coordinator the Browns wound up hiring after Stefanski fired Joe Woods the night of Jan. 8, team brass knew reinforcements were needed at defensive tackle. Heck, everyone knew. Yet Schwartz’s experience indicates he will push harder for key D-tackle acquisitions than other candidates would have.
Weaknesses up the middle of the defense contributed to too many offenses running wild against the Browns during the 2022 season, a glaring factor in the franchise underachieving en route to a record of 7-10. In 11 of 17 games, the opponent finished with more than 100 rushing yards. The Browns surrendered more than 150 rushing yards in seven of those games, including two in which they allowed more than 200 yards on the ground.
Schwartz has the requisite cachet to compel Berry not only to overhaul the roster at defensive tackle, but also to usher in a philosophical shift about targeting higher-caliber players there.