Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns

In the competitive landscape of the NFL, young pass-rushers who can consistently generate sacks are rare—and for the Cleveland Browns, Alex Wright has emerged as exactly that kind of talent. Entering his third season, the 24-year-old defensive end has not only increased his sack total year over year but has also delivered clutch plays in high-stakes moments, becoming a vital part of the Browns’ defensive core alongside Myles Garrett. Wright’s 7.5 sacks this season (a career high) aren’t just impressive stats—they’re a sign of his growing dominance, technical refinement, and the potential to anchor the Browns’ pass rush for years to come. Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns explores his breakout season, the skills driving his success, and how his development shapes the team’s long-term defensive aspirations.

Wright’s sack production this season has been both consistent and impactful, with key plays that turned the tide of games. One standout performance came in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers: with the Browns trailing by three points in the fourth quarter, he sacked quarterback Kenny Pickett twice in a single drive—first forcing a fumble that the Browns recovered, then pressuring Pickett into an incomplete pass on fourth down to seal a 23-20 win. That game encapsulated his growth: as a rookie in 2022, Wright recorded just 2 sacks and struggled to win one-on-one matchups; now, he’s using a mix of speed and power to beat offensive tackles, often drawing double teams that free up Garrett to make plays. His sack against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 was another highlight—he used a quick spin move to get past the right tackle and take down Lamar Jackson, halting a Ravens drive that had reached the Browns’ 20-yard line. “Alex has gone from a project to a reliable playmaker,” said Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. “Every week, he finds a way to affect the quarterback, and that’s the mark of a special player.” Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that his sacks aren’t just numbers—they’re game-changing contributions that lift the entire defense.

What makes Wright’s sack success even more promising is the technical growth behind it. Early in his career, he relied heavily on his 6-foot-6 frame and raw athleticism to rush the passer, often struggling against seasoned offensive linemen who could anticipate his moves. This season, however, he’s added new tools to his arsenal: a devastating swim move that lets him slip past blockers, a counter spin that catches tackles off guard, and improved hand placement to disengage from blocks quickly. His work with Browns pass-rush specialist coach Chris Kiffin has been pivotal—Kiffin helped Wright refine his timing, teaching him to read offensive line stances and exploit small gaps in protection. The results are clear: Wright now wins 42% of his one-on-one pass-rushing reps (up from 28% last season) and has recorded 15 quarterback pressures to go along with his sacks. “I used to just run fast and hope for the best,” Wright said in a recent interview. “Now, I’m thinking two steps ahead—anticipating what the tackle will do, and knowing which move to use to beat him.” This technical evolution isn’t just a one-season fluke; it’s a foundation for sustained success. Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns highlights that his growth as a technician makes his sack production a reliable indicator of future dominance.

For the Cleveland Browns, Wright’s sack surge solves a long-standing need: a second elite pass-rusher to pair with Myles Garrett. For years, opposing teams have focused their blocking schemes on Garrett, using double teams or chip blocks to neutralize him—leaving other defensive linemen to face single coverage but failing to capitalize. With Wright now consistently generating sacks, that dynamic has shifted: defenses can no longer afford to overload Garrett, as Wright will exploit one-on-one matchups. This has already made the Browns’ defense more dangerous: Garrett has recorded 14 sacks this season (tied for fifth in the NFL), and the team’s total sack count (40) ranks eighth league-wide—up from 32 last season. “Having two pass-rushers who can get to the quarterback changes everything,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “It opens up blitz packages, keeps offensive lines off balance, and gives us a chance to take over games defensively.” The Cleveland Browns’ defensive unit, which already ranks 10th in total defense, has become more versatile and unpredictable because of Wright’s emergence. Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns shows that his sacks aren’t just boosting his own profile—they’re elevating the entire defense.

Wright’s development also aligns with the Cleveland Browns’ long-term roster strategy, which prioritizes drafting and developing young talent to build sustainable success. Selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of UAB, Wright was seen as a “project” with high upside—raw but athletic, with the potential to grow into a starter. The Browns invested time in his development, giving him limited reps as a rookie and gradually increasing his role last season before his breakout this year. This patient approach has paid off: Wright is now under contract with the Browns through 2025 (with a team option for 2026), meaning he’ll be a key part of the defense during a window when the team is positioned to compete for championships. “We knew Alex had this kind of potential when we drafted him,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “Our job is to give young players the resources and opportunities to grow, and Alex has taken full advantage of that.” The Cleveland Browns’ commitment to player development has turned Wright into a cornerstone, and his continued growth could let them avoid overspending on free-agent pass-rushers in the future. Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns underscores that his success is a testament to the team’s drafting and development philosophy.

Looking ahead, Wright’s trajectory suggests even greater things to come—and that’s a game-changer for the Cleveland Browns. At just 24, he has room to improve: refining his run-stopping skills (he’s still developing as a gap-clogger) and becoming more consistent in long games. With another offseason of work with Kiffin and Garrett (who has mentored Wright since his rookie year), there’s no reason he can’t reach double-digit sacks next season, joining Garrett as one of the NFL’s top pass-rushing duos. For the Browns, this means a defensive line that can compete with the league’s best—teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, who have historically exploited the Browns’ lack of a second pass-rusher. “Alex is just getting started,” Garrett said. “He’s hungry, he works hard, and he’s got the talent to be one of the best. Having him next to me? It’s a nightmare for offensive lines.” For fans, Wright’s sacks aren’t just a source of excitement this season—they’re a glimpse into a future where the Browns’ defense is a perennial powerhouse. Alex Wright's Sacks Project Bright Future for the Cleveland Browns concludes that as Wright continues to grow, he won’t just be a key player for the Browns—he’ll be a symbol of their bright, competitive future in the AFC North and beyond.