CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns’ defensive line could be one of the NFL’s best units in 2025, according to film analyst Lance Reisland. In a bold proclamation on the latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Reisland didn’t mince words about the group’s potential.
“I’m actually really, really high on this defensive line. I think it’s a top five defensive line,” Reisland declared, offering a claim that might raise eyebrows around the league but reflects his genuine enthusiasm for the unit’s transformation.
What makes this prediction particularly interesting is how it contrasts with concerns expressed by host Dan Labbe about the defensive end position opposite Myles Garrett. While Labbe worried about the lack of a clear No. 2 edge rusher, Reisland sees a more holistic improvement across the entire defensive front.
Central to Reisland’s optimism is rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham, whom he views as a significant upgrade over a departed veteran. “I think Mason Graham is a tremendous upgrade from a very good Dalvin Tomlinson,” Reisland explained. The distinction, in his view, comes down to scheme fit.
“Dalvin Tomlinson was a run stopper, two gapper, right? That’s not what this defense is,” Reisland noted, highlighting how the Browns have intentionally built their defensive line to match defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s aggressive, penetrating philosophy.
This scheme fit represents a crucial element of Reisland’s argument. “Now Jim Schwartz has a full platoon of guys that fit his mold, right? And that’s important in a scheme,” he emphasized. “If you think Alex Wright is a seven or an eight on a scale of one to 10 in this scheme, it makes him eight or nine because what he does well is what Jim Schwartz wants.”
Beyond Graham, Reisland identified another newcomer as potentially transformative. “I think Maliek Collins is the most underrated pick up of this offseason. He was my most impressive guy of camp,” he said. Collins’ ability to generate interior pressure could be the perfect complement to Garrett’s edge dominance.
The shift from last year’s defensive line to the current group reflects a fundamental change in philosophy. Where previous players like Ogbo Okoronkwo and Dalvin Tomlinson were specialists (Okoronkwo as a pass rusher, Tomlinson as a run stopper), the current group offers more versatility and better scheme alignment.
“Ogbo and Dalvin Tomlinson are one trick ponies,” Reisland explained. “Now all nine, ten of these guys can set the edge if they want to go outside in nickel looks. Multiple guys can play multiple position flexible. They can stop the run. They’re gap penetrators.”
This versatility allows Schwartz to deploy his defensive line in various configurations based on down, distance, and offensive personnel — creating matchup problems for opposing offenses.
While it’s early to declare any unit “Top 5” before a single snap has been played, Reisland’s analysis offers compelling reasons why Browns fans should be excited about the defensive front. The combination of scheme fit, versatility, and talented newcomers like Graham and Collins could indeed make this one of the league’s most formidable units.
To hear Reisland’s complete breakdown of the defensive line and why he believes Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire are poised to step up in 2025, check out the full episode of Orange and Brown Talk wherever you get your podcasts.
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