Former Browns Draft Pick Is Back With Yet Another Rival

 

Apparently, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi is making the rounds with the Cleveland Browns‘ division rivals.

The former Charlotte 49er was selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He ended up playing four seasons in Cleveland, finishing with 180 total sacks and 14.5 sacks.

He then played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 and was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl run, thanks to a career-high seven sacks to go with 49 tackles.

Now, he is signing with another AFC North squad, as ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed.

Former Bengals’ DT Larry Ogunjobi has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.

Ogunjobi now will have played for the Browns, Bengals and Steelers, leaving the Ravens as the lone Ogunjobi-less AFC North team.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 21, 2022

Schefter tweeted, “Former Bengals’ DT Larry Ogunjobi has signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source. Ogunjobi now will have played for the Browns, Bengals, and Steelers, leaving the Ravens as the lone Ogunjobi-less AFC North team.”

After playing for the Steelers, the Ravens might be interested in signing him to complete his journey within the division.

But this low-key signing can pay huge dividends in addressing a specific loophole.

 

The Steelers Need Ogunjobi On Run Defense

Last season, the Steelers ranked ninth in pass defense, allowing just 215.1 yards per game.

However, they were the worst in terms of run defense, surrendering 146.1 yards per game.

This statistic is surprising, considering that they have reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.

Chris Wormley, Tyson Alualu, and Cameron Heyward haven’t solidified their first line of defense against the run.

Therefore, that’s where Ogunjobi could come in.

Aside from creating pressure to hound the opposing quarterback, he will occupy much space to seal the gaps that running backs could burst through.

His presence will come in handy in a division that has Joe Mixon, Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kareem Hunt, and Nick Chubb.