Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth

On the Cleveland Browns’ defense, a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent has become a recipe for growth—and it’s the veterans’ willingness to share their wisdom that’s accelerating the youth’s development. From Pro Bowl-caliber players like Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit to unsung leaders like Shelby Harris, the Browns’ defensive veterans aren’t just contributing on the field; they’re acting as mentors, teachers, and role models for the team’s rookies and second-year players. This passing of the torch has turned the Browns’ defense from a work in progress into a cohesive unit, with young players stepping into key roles faster than expected. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth explores how these veterans are shaping the next generation, the specific ways they’re lending support, and the impact this mentorship is having on the team’s success.

The Browns’ defensive veteran core is anchored by players with years of NFL experience, each bringing a unique set of skills and lessons to share. Garrett, entering his seventh season with the Browns, has established himself as one of the league’s top pass rushers—and he’s made it a priority to help young defensive linemen like rookie Tommy Togiai and second-year player Alex Wright refine their techniques. After practice, Garrett often stays late to work on hand placement and pass-rush moves with Togiai, breaking down film to show how to read offensive linemen’s tendencies. “When I was a rookie, I had veterans who helped me,” Garrett said in a recent interview. “Now it’s my turn to pay that forward. The better these young guys get, the better our defense gets.” Delpit, a fourth-year safety, focuses on the mental side of the game, teaching rookies like safety Ronnie Hickman how to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays. Meanwhile, Harris, a 10-year veteran defensive tackle signed midseason, shares insights on staying healthy and maintaining consistency over a long NFL career—advice that’s invaluable for young players adjusting to the league’s grueling schedule. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth notes that this mentorship isn’t limited to one position; veterans across the defense collaborate to ensure every young player feels supported, creating a team-first culture.

A day-to-day look at the Browns’ practice facility reveals the subtle but impactful ways veterans integrate mentorship into their routines. During walkthroughs, Delpit often pulls Hickman aside to explain defensive alignments, using a whiteboard to draw out scenarios and ask questions to test his understanding. “Grant doesn’t just tell me what to do—he makes me think for myself,” Hickman said. “That way, when I’m on the field, I’m not just reacting; I’m making smart decisions.” On the defensive line, Garrett and Harris take turns leading “film sessions” with the young linemen, focusing on upcoming opponents’ offensive schemes and highlighting key tendencies to watch for. During one recent session, Harris pointed out how a particular offensive guard tends to lean left before a run play—a detail that helped Togiai make a tackle for loss in the following game. Veterans also model professionalism off the field: they arrive early to meetings, take detailed notes, and treat every practice rep like a game situation. Young players have taken notice, with Wright admitting, “I watch how Myles and Shelby carry themselves, and I try to follow their lead. They show me what it takes to be a pro.” Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth emphasizes that these small, consistent actions add up, helping young players develop both their skills and their work ethic.

For the Cleveland Browns, the veterans’ mentorship has translated to tangible on-field results, with young defensive players making significant contributions earlier than expected. Hickman, a seventh-round draft pick, has already started three games this season, recording 25 tackles and an interception. In Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he made a crucial pass breakup in the end zone to prevent a touchdown—a play he later credited to Delpit’s guidance. “Grant told me to watch the quarterback’s eyes, not the receiver,” Hickman said after the game. “That’s exactly what I did, and it helped me make the play.” Togiai, meanwhile, has stepped up in the absence of injured defensive tackle Maliek Collins, recording 18 tackles and a sack in the last four games. His improvement in run defense—once a weakness—has been particularly notable, thanks in large part to Harris’ coaching on how to shed blocks. Even younger players with limited game time are benefiting: third-year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was mentored by former Brown Anthony Walker Jr., has now taken on a mentorship role with rookie linebacker Mohamoud Diabate. For the Cleveland Browns, this chain of mentorship ensures that the team’s defensive knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next, creating a sustainable culture of excellence. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth notes that the Browns’ defense currently ranks 12th in the league in points allowed—a significant improvement from last season—and much of that success can be attributed to the young players’ rapid development.

The Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff has also recognized the value of the veterans’ mentorship, incorporating it into their overall development strategy for young players. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz works closely with veterans to identify areas where young players need support, and he often encourages veterans to lead position group meetings. “Our veterans have a unique perspective that coaches can’t always provide,” Schwartz said. “They’ve been in the trenches, and they know what it’s like to face the challenges these young guys are going through. Their input is invaluable.” The coaching staff also creates opportunities for veterans and young players to bond off the field, organizing team dinners and bowling nights where players can connect in a casual setting. These events help build trust, making it easier for young players to ask questions and seek advice. Schwartz has also praised the veterans for their patience, noting that they never get frustrated when young players make mistakes—instead, they use those moments as teaching opportunities. “When Tommy [Togiai] missed a tackle earlier this season, Shelby [Harris] pulled him aside and walked him through what he did wrong,” Schwartz recalled. “He didn’t yell or criticize—he just helped him get better. That’s the kind of leadership that makes our defense special.” For the Cleveland Browns, this collaboration between coaches and veterans has created a comprehensive development system that’s helping young players reach their potential faster than ever. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth explores how this synergy has become a competitive advantage for the Browns, setting them apart from other teams with similar levels of young talent.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns’ veteran-led mentorship program is poised to have a long-term impact on the team’s defensive success. As young players like Hickman, Togiai, and Diabate continue to develop, they’ll eventually take on mentorship roles themselves, ensuring the cycle continues. This continuity is particularly important for the Browns, who have struggled with defensive consistency in the past. With Garrett signed to a long-term contract and Delpit emerging as a key leader, the team has a stable core of veterans to guide future draft picks and young signings. The Browns’ front office has also acknowledged the importance of this culture, prioritizing the signing of veteran free agents who not only have on-field talent but also a willingness to mentor. “When we evaluate free agents, we look at more than just their stats,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “We want players who will make our team better both on and off the field—players who will invest in our young talent.” For the Cleveland Browns, this focus on mentorship isn’t just about winning games in the short term; it’s about building a sustainable winning culture that will keep the team competitive for years to come. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth concludes that in a league where talent is abundant, it’s the intangibles like mentorship and leadership that often separate good teams from great ones—and the Browns’ defensive veterans are leading the way.

The impact of the veterans’ mentorship extends beyond the football field, helping young players grow as people and professionals. Many of the Browns’ young defensive players have spoken about how veterans have helped them navigate the challenges of life in the NFL, from managing their finances to dealing with the pressure of playing in a major market. Harris, for example, has helped several young players set up financial plans and connect with trusted advisors, while Delpit has shared tips on how to handle media interviews and stay grounded amid the spotlight. “The veterans don’t just teach us about football—they teach us about life,” said Diabate. “That’s something I’ll be grateful for long after my playing career is over.” For the Cleveland Browns, this holistic approach to mentorship has helped create a tight-knit team culture, where players support each other on and off the field. It’s also helped the team retain young talent, as players feel valued and invested in by the organization. Defensive Veterans' Experience Benefits the Cleveland Browns Youth notes that in a league where player turnover is high, the Browns’ focus on mentorship has helped build loyalty—a rare and valuable commodity that will serve the team well in the years to come.