DE Alex Wright: Browns Rookie Progress Report

Pass Rush Plan: C

This is the only area where he still needs a lot of help and development. Though he can utilize a plethora of pass rush moves, he doesn’t know when to use them. Myles Garrett is one of the top defensive ends in the league because he has a plan before each snap. Having a “plan” usually consists of a primary and secondary move already in mind based on your understanding and knowledge of the opponent.

It looks like Wright sometimes just runs at the offensive lineman and decides what to do “on the fly”. It’s hard to be consistent as a pass rusher when you have to worry about thinking mid-attack. You have to play fast and execute the moves that you’ve already decided upon. The great thing about this problem is that it’s 100% fixable with experience and practice.

Run Stopping Ability: A

This is Alex Wright’s best quality so far. At 6’5″ and close to 270 lbs., it’s naturally somewhat easy for him to anchor and control the opponent due to his sheer size and strength. His ability to stack and control the opponent by getting a full extension with his upper body allows him to keep blockers off of his frame, so it’s easier to disengage. His above-average short-area quickness and agility also allow him to sustain outside leverage to help set the edge on outside runs.

Situational Awareness: B

He does a fairly good job of run/pass recognition and hasn’t been fooled with play-action too many times so far. Wright also uses his incredible length to get his hands up and bat down passes when he recognizes that he’s either in a stalemate or simply when the opposing quarterback is about to throw the ball. He’s batted down at least one pass in both regular season games so far.

Overall Grade: B

Alex Wright has already shown flashes of exactly what Cleveland wants him to be, which is to be the bookend pass rusher of the future with Myles Garrett. He still has room to grow and learn as expected of any rookie but the blueprint is there. As of right now, it seems as though the Browns may have gotten a steal in the middle of the third round.