Why Steve Palazollo Calls Browns Trade For Za'darius Smith A Home Run - Sports4cle, 5/15/23

The Cleveland Browns have made a move that could potentially be a game-changer for their team. Steve Palazzolo from PFF recently discussed the acquisition of Zadarius Smith on their NFL show, and it seems like this move has the potential to be a home run for the Browns.

Now, don't get me wrong, adding Smith to their roster isn't going to magically add three wins to their record or anything like that. But it is a sneaky good move that could have a significant impact on their defense.

Let's take a closer look at what Smith brings to the table. Over the last few years, he has proven himself to be one of the most valuable edge defenders in the NFL. Despite being plagued by injuries in 2021, his pass rush grades with the Packers in 2019 and 2020 were outstanding - 88.8 and 84, respectively. Even last year with the Vikings, he still managed an impressive 85 pass rush grade.

But what sets Smith apart is his versatility. He has the ability to move around the defensive front, creating mismatches and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Last year alone, he played 822 defensive snaps, with only 26 of them coming from the defensive tackle position. This means that he primarily rushes from the edge, standing up over the B Gap and even rushing against guards.

This versatility opens up a world of possibilities for the Browns' pass rush package. With Myles Garrett already dominating on one side, having Smith as another threat creates a formidable duo that can create mismatches and exploit weaknesses in opposing offensive lines.

Jim Schwartz, the Browns' defensive coordinator, is known for his ability to find matchups and exploit them. With Smith's ability to move around and create disruption, Schwartz now has even more options at his disposal. He can identify a weakness in the opposing offensive line and continue to exploit it throughout the game.

Schwartz's defensive philosophy revolves around getting pressure with just four guys on the field, rather than relying heavily on blitzing. This trade for Smith emphasizes that philosophy even more. With Smith's proven track record and the added depth on the defensive front, the Browns now have a much stronger foundation to build upon.

Smith's presence also allows for more versatility in pass rush situations. On third downs, both Garrett and Smith can potentially kick inside, creating chaos and wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. This