The Cleveland Browns have some new decision-makers. Again. Famously, they've hired Paul DePodesta, best known for his work in Major League Baseball, popularized in "Moneyball." He's expected to apply his background in statistical analysis to roster building in the NFL.
So far, what can be said for sure is that statistical productivity alone isn't going to determine which players stick on the roster. The release of veteran safety Donte Whitner yesterday was just the latest slash-and-burn move to cut ties with one of the team's top tacklers.
Cleveland had eight players with at least 40 total tackles a year ago, and half of them are gone from the roster, including the top two (Whitner and Karlos Dansby).
The table below shows the team's top defenders from 2015, sorted by tackles. Departed players in bold. Four of the top six have been released or allowed to leave as free agents.
| CLEVELAND TOP TACKLERS, 2015 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Total | Solo | Assist | Fate |
| Karlos Dansby | 108 | 62 | 46 | Cut |
| Donte Whitner | 81 | 58 | 23 | Cut |
| Tramon Williams | 69 | 55 | 14 | |
| Christian Kirksey | 63 | 40 | 23 | |
| Tashaun Gipson | 60 | 42 | 18 | Signed with Jacksonville |
| Craig Robertson | 59 | 34 | 25 | Signed with New Orleans |
| Jordan Poyer | 43 | 28 | 15 | |
| Armonty Bryant | 40 | 28 | 12 | |
--Andy Richardson
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