CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns players celebrate around Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104023

Jul 28, 2026, 12:17 PM CUT

Analyst raises major concerns about Browns beyond QB situation

The Browns' quarterback saga has dominated headlines, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders locked in a heated battle for QB1. But while everyone debates the offense, one NFL analyst has sounded the alarm over a far bigger concern.

“I have questions about the defense. I think there are some depth issues on defense, but they cannot afford a drop-off because the offense is still a work in progress,” questioned Browns insider Scott Petrak on 92.3 The Fan.

The Cleveland Browns boasted the NFL's top-graded defensive line last season, as per PFF. Myles Garrett claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors, but he is gone, leaving Cleveland's defensive front significantly younger.

Looking at the situation, Petrak, in his conversation with 92.3 Fan, expressed that while the offense is going through a restructuring, the Browns shouldn't overlook their defense completely.

“You need that defense to be a top-10 unit for this team to have any chance to make a jump from five to eight or nine wins. While it feels like there’s a lot in place, I have some major questions about this team,” Petrak said.

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: The Cleveland Browns line up opposite the Cincinnati Bengals during the game on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260104135

On paper, the Browns' defense is loaded, with a front four that projects as one of the NFL's best. Jared Verse and Alex Wright headline the edge, while Mason Graham and Maliek Collins fortify the interior.

The real problem? One injury could expose a secondary that lacks the depth to make up for the loss.

Reserves like Isaiah McGuire, Kalia Davis, Mike Hall Jr., and Julian Okwara have yet to prove they can handle the heat. If any member of the front four goes down, the domino effect could cripple the team's defensive capabilities.

On top of that, despite the glaring gap, the Browns used just two draft picks on defense in 2026.

While safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren should help immediately, an injury to Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell could severely weaken the cornerback room.

That said, one analyst predicted the win range for the team this year.

Analyst reveals their expectations for the Cleveland Browns this year

The last two seasons have been disastrous for the Cleveland Browns. They finished with a 3-14 record in 2024 and followed it up with a 5-12 campaign last year.

While the decline has been consistent, Daryl Ruiter at 92.3 The Fan (YouTube) believes the team could perform better this season, though expectations remain modest.

“For me, the sweet spot for them, I think their low bar is six wins, and I think their high bar is around eight. I’ll be disappointed if they win just five. I’m trying to raise the standards. I’m trying to raise the bar. I’m also recognizing the young talent that they have,” Ruiter said.

The Cleveland Browns' record this season will ultimately depend on how quickly Todd Monken's system clicks.

On top of that, the conclusion of the Deshaun Watson–Shedeur Sanders quarterback battle should give us a clearer idea of the team's direction.

That said, what are your thoughts on the Browns? Will they be able to redeem themselves this season?

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey