Cleveland Browns' 2023 post-NFL Draft Depth Chart: Defense

CLEVELAND — The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, with the Cleveland Browns having added three new players on the defensive side of the ball.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the Browns' latest projected defensive depth chart for the 2023 season.

RELATED: Cleveland Browns' 2023 post-NFL Draft Depth Chart: Offense

Defensive end

Left defensive end

1. Myles Garrett
2. Isaiah Thomas
3. Sam Kamara
4. Jeremiah Martin

Right defensive end

1. Ogbo Okoronkwo
2. Alex Wright
3. Isaiah McGuire
4. Lonnie Phelps

Following Jadeveon Clowney's messy exit from Cleveland, the Browns signed Ogbo Okoronkwo to be Myles Garrett's new running mate. Fourth-round pick Isaiah McGuire possesses plenty of tools, but may have difficulty finding playing time as a rookie with second-year players Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas looking to take on bigger roles.

Defensive tackle

Left defensive tackle

1. Jordan Elliott
2. Perrion Winfrey
3. Trysten Hill
4. Michael Dwumfour

Right defensive tackle

1. Dalvin Tomlinson
2. Siaki Ika
3. Tommy Togiai
4. Maurice Hurst II
5. Ben Stille
6. Roderick Perry II

Defensive tackle was one of the Browns' weakest units in 2022 and Cleveland's front office responded by signing Dalvin Tomlinson to a four-year, $57 million contract. But outside of Tomlinson, there isn't much the Browns can count on at the position, although third-round pick Siaki Ika figures to see some early playing time.

Meanwhile, former Andrew Berry draft picks Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai and Perrion Winfrey could each be fighting for their respective roster spots, and Cleveland also signed veterans Trysten Hill and Maurice Hurst II to one-year contracts. Altogether, the Browns will need some of those players to step forward to provide new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the type of defensive line he's known for.

Linebacker

Will

1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
2. Matthew Adams
3. Jordan Kunaszyk
4. Charlie Thomas

Mike

1. Anthony Walker Jr.
2. Jacob Phillips
3. Storey Jackson

Sam

1. Sione Takitaki
2. Tony Fields II
3. Mohamoud Diabate

The Browns didn't draft a linebacker this year, which could indicate that they feel good about the progress that Anthony Walker Jr. and/or Sione Takitaki have made in their respective recoveries. As currently constructed, Cleveland will be counting on a breakout season from Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and for Jacob Phillips to provide depth at multiple positions. The Browns also signed veteran Matthew Adams, although his primary contributions are expected to come on special teams.

Cornerback

Left cornerback

1. Denzel Ward
2. Thomas Graham Jr.
3. Caleb Biggers

Right cornerback

1. Martin Emerson Jr.
2. A.J. Green

Nickel

1. Greg Newsome II
2. Cameron Mitchell

Greg Newsome II would prefer to not play nickel, but that's currently the only way for Cleveland to get its three best cornerbacks -- Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr. and Newsome -- all on the field. Should either Ward or Emerson Jr. get injured, Newsome would likely slide back outside, with A.J. Green or fifth-round pick Cameron Mitchell -- a former college teammate of Newsome's -- manning the slot.

Safety

Strong safety

1. Grant Delpit
2. Bubba Bolden
3. Tanner McCalister

Free safety

1. Juan Thornhill
2. De'Anthony Bell
3. Ronnie Hickman

After releasing John Johnson III following two relatively underwhelming seasons, the Browns signed former Kansas City Chief Juan Thornhill to start at free safety, opposite Grant Delpit. Cleveland lacks quality depth at safety, but signed a pair of intriguing undrafted free agents from Ohio State in Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister.