Olivier Vernon, Cleveland Browns
Vernon’s career has been interesting because he has never really been a star pass rusher when he was on his own, but he has been a good compliment.
While many were quick to call him a bust after signing a massive contract with the New York Giants, looking back at his career he doesn’t feel like a bust just like a guy who was overpaid by a team hoping to catch him on his rise to stardom.
What he does best
Vernon isn’t going to win a lot of battles where he is double teamed by a tackle and a tight end on the outside, but few players will in the NFL. In any other situation, Vernon is a really solid EDGE vs the run, showing the ability to sift though blocks and avoid cuts as well as being able to stretch plays to the sideline or close on a ball carrier quickly.
While his numbers may not always be great, he flashes the power and speed to win as on the edge in a lot of different ways and is a compliment to Landry who predominantly wins with speed and bend.
Final thoughts on his chances with the Titans: I actually would like this fit for the Titans. He can be the base down defender that they need while also being a factor on a 2nd and long play action instead of just being another body out there slowly moving around like other “big” EDGEs.