CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns defense finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. Once considered among the NFL’s elite units, it has slipped from that perch. Now, according to the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast, this season represents a “season-long tryout” for many defensive players to prove they belong in the team’s future plans.
“But if things kind of go right at some of those positions, this defense could potentially get back close to where it was a couple of years ago,” host Dan Labbe explained, highlighting the potential for resurgence if certain players elevate their performances.
The podcast identified several key defenders who need to take significant steps forward this season. Safety Grant Delpit, who flashed promise with four interceptions in 2022 but has recorded just one in the past two seasons, tops that list.
“I think that Grant Delpit can take his game up to another level. I think he’s got another gear that he can hit,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot said, expressing confidence in the safety’s untapped potential.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. is another player the Browns expect more from after what Cabot described as “a few steps back last season.” Despite that regression, Cabot maintains that Emerson has “Pro Bowl potential” based on his physical attributes and previous flashes.
The high-stakes nature of this season for many defenders was perfectly captured by Labbe: “And then you got a bunch of guys that, alright, here’s your chance. You guys have been in this system for a little while. Some of you have had success, some of you haven’t. But show us you’re a part of this future. Here’s your tryout. This is a season long tryout for a lot of these guys.”
This evaluation period extends to younger players getting their first real opportunity to contribute significantly. Safety Ronnie Hickman, who Cabot believes “can create some big plays,” will likely see increased playing time following Juan Thornhill’s departure. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has a chance to make “eyes pop because the Browns are so excited about him,” according to Cabot.
The defensive line also features players with something to prove. First-round pick Mason Graham faces immediate expectations as the fifth overall selection, especially after the team passed on Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter to select him. Second-year defensive tackle Mike Hall remains something of a mystery after injuries and a suspension limited his rookie campaign.
“He’s a big X-factor here because the Browns spent a second round pick on him last year, had extremely high hopes for him last year, and he wasn’t able to be on the field,” Cabot explained, adding that if Hall “can live up to their expectations, then he’s somebody that should be starting to challenge for some Pro Bowls over the next season or two.”
Even established star Myles Garrett isn’t exempt from the expectation to elevate his game. “I always think that Myles has another gear,” Cabot noted, suggesting that the perennial All-Pro could reach even higher heights.
The importance of this defensive reset was perfectly crystallized by Cabot’s warning about NFL mediocrity: “The last thing that you want to be on a defense is just a guy, okay? That’s the kiss of death in the NFL if you are considered just a guy.”
This sentiment captures the urgency surrounding the Browns’ defense heading into 2025. Being average — being “just a guy” — won’t cut it if Cleveland hopes to return to the playoffs. The defense must rediscover its dominant form from previous seasons, and that transformation begins with individual players elevating their performances.
For the Browns to exceed expectations in 2025, this “season-long tryout” needs to uncover defensive playmakers ready to step into larger roles and established veterans willing to reach new heights. The talent appears to be there — now it’s about translating potential into production.
Here’s the podcast for this week:
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Note: Artificial intelligence was used to help generate this story from the Cleveland Orange and Brown Talk Podcast by cleveland.com. Visitors to cleveland.com have asked for more text stories based on website podcast discussions.