Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies

In the NFL, injuries are an unavoidable part of the game—but they often open doors for young, unproven players to step up. For the Cleveland Browns, the knee sprain that sidelined starting defensive tackle Maliek Collins in Week 6 was a blow to their defensive line depth. However, the void left by Collins has become a silver lining: it’s given a group of rookie defensive linemen the chance to gain valuable game experience, showcase their talent, and prove they can contribute to the team’s success. What began as a roster challenge has evolved into an opportunity for the Browns’ rookies to grow, with several young players seizing their moment in the spotlight. Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies explores how these rookies have stepped up, the impact they’ve made, and why this experience could shape their future with the team.

Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies begins with the void on the defensive line—why Collins’ role matters. Collins, a veteran entering his eighth NFL season, has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ interior defense since 2022. His ability to clog run lanes (he’s averaged 45 tackles per season in Cleveland) and generate interior pass rush (6 sacks in 2023) made him irreplaceable in the starting lineup. When he went down with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, the Browns had to shuffle their depth chart, moving second-year player Perrion Winfrey into a larger role and turning to rookies to fill the remaining snaps. Defensive line coach Chris Kiffin acknowledged the challenge: “Maliek does so much for our defense—stopping the run, pushing the pocket, and leading by example. Losing him meant we needed our young guys to step up, and fast.” For the rookies, this wasn’t just a chance to play—it was a chance to prove they could handle the physicality and speed of the NFL, even against seasoned offensive linemen.

A standout among the rookies is Tyler Davis—from late-round pick to key contributor. Selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Davis was expected to spend his rookie season learning behind veterans like Collins. But with Collins sidelined, Davis has seen his snap count jump from 12% in the first five games to 48% in the weeks since the injury. His breakout performance came in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit, helping the Browns hold the Steelers to just 87 rushing yards. Davis credits his preparation: “I spent every week studying film with Maliek, asking him about how to read offensive linemen and set up my pass-rush moves. When the opportunity came, I felt ready.” Kiffin praised Davis’ poise: “Tyler doesn’t play like a seventh-round rookie. He’s physical, he’s smart, and he’s making plays when we need him most. That’s exactly what we hoped for when we drafted him.”

Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies also includes Siaki Ika’s growth—from practice squad to game-day active for the Cleveland Browns. For the Cleveland Browns, rookie defensive tackle Siaki Ika’s journey from the practice squad to the active roster is a perfect example of how injuries create opportunities. Ika, a fifth-round pick out of Baylor, spent the first four weeks of the season on the practice squad, waiting for his chance to prove himself. When Collins went down, the Browns elevated Ika to the active roster, and he’s since appeared in every game, playing 25-30 snaps per contest. His biggest moment came in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, where he stuffed a fourth-and-1 run at the Browns’ 20-yard line, halting a potential Texans scoring drive. “Being on the practice squad was tough, but I kept working, knowing my chance might come,” Ika said. “When Maliek got hurt, I just focused on doing my job and helping the team.” For the Cleveland Browns, Ika’s emergence has been a pleasant surprise—he’s added much-needed size (6’4”, 335 lbs) to the interior, making it harder for opposing teams to run up the middle. This experience has also given the Browns confidence that Ika can be a reliable depth piece for years to come.

Another rookie making the most of the opportunity is Isaiah McGuire—flexing versatility on the edge. While Collins’ absence is an interior defensive line issue, it’s also created opportunities for edge-rushing rookies like Isaiah McGuire to shift inside in certain packages. McGuire, a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, was initially brought in to play defensive end, but Kiffin has used him as a “tweener” in passing situations, lining him up at defensive tackle to exploit mismatches against slower guards. In Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, McGuire recorded his first NFL sack, beating a Cardinals guard with a quick spin move to take down quarterback Kyler Murray. “Coach Kiffin told me to be ready to play anywhere, and I took that to heart,” McGuire said. “Playing inside is different, but it’s helped me learn more about the game and become a more versatile player.” For the Cleveland Browns, McGuire’s ability to play multiple positions has added flexibility to their defense—a valuable asset in the AFC North, where teams face a mix of run-heavy and pass-heavy offenses. This versatility also makes McGuire a more valuable long-term piece, as he can fill multiple roles on the defensive line.

Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies also highlights coaching support—nurturing rookies through the transition for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns’ coaching staff has played a critical role in helping rookies succeed during Collins’ absence. Kiffin holds extra film sessions with Davis, Ika, and McGuire every week, breaking down their reps and correcting mistakes. Veteran defensive end Myles Garrett has also taken the rookies under his wing, hosting them for film study at his home and giving them tips on how to handle NFL offensive linemen. “The veterans and coaches haven’t let us fail,” Davis said. “They’re always there to answer questions, and they give us the confidence to go out and play our game.” For the Cleveland Browns, this investment in coaching isn’t just about winning now—it’s about building a sustainable defensive line. By giving rookies hands-on guidance and game reps, the Browns are ensuring that these young players develop the skills they need to contribute for years, even after Collins returns. This approach also fosters a culture of growth, where rookies feel supported and motivated to improve.

Maliek Collins' Absence Creates Opportunities for the Cleveland Browns Rookies wraps up with the long-term impact—why this experience matters. When Collins returns to the lineup (expected in Week 10), the Browns’ defensive line will be stronger than before—not just because Collins is back, but because their rookies have grown into more capable players. Davis, Ika, and McGuire now have game tape to learn from, confidence in their ability to compete, and a better understanding of the Browns’ defensive scheme. For the rookies, this experience is invaluable: it’s one thing to practice against teammates, but it’s another to face NFL-caliber players in real game situations. For the Cleveland Browns, the rookies’ development has deepened their defensive line depth—a critical factor in surviving the long NFL season. Kiffin summed it up best: “Injuries are tough, but they test your depth and your young players. Our rookies didn’t just fill a void—they made the most of their opportunity, and that’s going to help us win games now and in the future.” In the end, Collins’ absence wasn’t just a setback—it was a chance for the Browns’ rookies to shine, and they’ve done exactly that.