BEREA, Ohio Jim Schwartz’s defense is already feeling the effects of the Browns’ most unexpected offseason acquisition.
Simply look next to rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham to locate him. Maliek Collins has been positioning himself along the first defensive line unit there.
One day into the new league season, Collins was signed by the Browns to a two-year contract worth up to $20 million. After obtaining Collins in a 2024 trade from Houston, the 49ers dismissed him.
More Cleveland Browns coverage
-
Kenny Pickett might ease back into practice Friday or Saturday; outlook for Mike Woods II: Mary Kay Cabot
-
Browns talk stadium ownership, sin tax and more in pinning down Brook Park stadium detail
-
Browns CB Greg Newsome II back in the starting saddle and aiming high: I want to be a Brown for life
A year after he had five sacks in 16 games with the Texans, he had five sacks in 17 games with the 49ers.According to Pro Football Focus, he tied for 15th place among defensive tackles with 45 pressures in the previous season and tied for 19th place with 45 in 2023.
The Browns, who re-invested in the defensive tackle position by selecting Mike Hall Jr. of Ohio State with the 54th choice in the 2024 NFL Draft and Mason Graham of Michigan with the fifth overall pick this season, are sensitive to that kind of pressure.
After being released by the 49ers, Collins found a comfortable home in Cleveland, first with his defensive line coach in Houston.
Collins stated that it was really beneficial to have Jacques (Cesaire), the defensive line coach, present. This kind of defense, combined with Schwartz, seems to be a wonderful fit for me. That they also desired me made me pleased.
Before spending the most recent season in San Francisco, Collins, a third-round selection of the Cowboys in 2016, lived in Dallas for four years, Las Vegas for one, and Houston for three.
The focus on interior pressure will only help the Browns outplay defenders, especially Myles Garrett, who Schwartz likes to nickname the motor of his defense.
Collins stated that it simply boils down to winning your one-on-ones. It goes without saying that if you’re winning your one-on-ones and getting results, you’ll attract a guy from Myles, Mason, or anyone else it may be. Additionally, Schwartz is an aggressive playcaller, in my opinion. He will turn things up, and it will result in one-on-ones for everyone.
Collins’ influence on the field is not the only one. Starting with Graham, it’s also what he provides off the field. This offseason, he worked in Houston with the rookie.
Collins claimed that (Graham) actually recommended it. “Hey bro, I’m pulling up,” he said. Although I was taken aback, I was glad to see him.
Collins wants to find a way to make his collaboration with Graham meaningful.
He asks a lot of questions, but we enter and enjoy ourselves. We genuinely simply click with one another and have our own vibe for when we want to rush, play, and what kind of gear we want to use.
Graham isn’t the only advantage of having a seasoned player like Collins, 30, in the defensive line room. Cesaire finds it consoling.
According to Cesaire, “I love Maliek, and I always sleep well at night when Maliek Collins is on my defensive line because he knows who I am and how I work.” He works as a technician and is a professional rusher who runs to the other side. I’m simply eager to see what Maliek will contribute.
The defensive line sets the tone, and Collins, who may have gone unnoticed this offseason, is here to make an impression and help the Browns win some games.
He declared, “I’m really open to doing whatever it takes to win.” Whether it was in Houston with DeMeco Ryans or in San Francisco last year with Kris (Kocurek), I performed for men who were sort of Schwartz’s understudies in this system. Seeing that, they all sprang from Schwartz’s scheme.
You may find it impossible to ignore Collins at some point this season.
Free trial of the Football Insider newsletter:Please take a moment to sign up for a free sample of our Football Insider newsletter, which includes exclusive information from the Browns reporters on Cleveland.com.
