Dalvin Tomlinson Is Already Proving To Be A Perfect Fit
Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland isn’t ready for Dalvin Tomlinson. Sure, fans are naturally excited to see one of their team’s off-season additions in action, but it’s difficult to truly grasp the impact of such a skilled big man until you actually see it on the field.
Worry over the defensive tackle position is currently in full effect. The release of Perrion Winfrey made an already thin unit even thinner. Jake Trotter of ESPN Cleveland reported “internal concern” about the position. The Browns faithful have flooded Twitter with angst over potential players’ usage based on a few training camp clips. But if Tomlinson does what he’s done at every stop, as Bob Marley once said, “Every little thing is gonna be alright.”
Before signing a four-year, $57 million deal with the Browns this off-season, Tomlinson was an absolute beast in Minnesota. His dominance sprawled beyond the stat sheet. The man is a menace on film. Turn on any game tape of the 307 lb. giant and you’ll see Tomlinson destroy the line of scrimmage as he plays the role of Pacman gobbling up run blockers left and right.
Very quick just went and watched some film of newly “signed” #Vikings DL Dalvin Tomlinson
Quick take aways
He’s got a knack for shedding blocks
Really good lateral movement
He’s explosive off the snap
Lots of hand power
High motor playerCan’t wait to watch more of him #Skol pic.twitter.com/8obx1ATKnU
— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) March 16, 2021
His presence alone allows linebackers to roam free and make plays. Look no further than former teammate Eric Kendricks. EK’s success with Tomlinson on the field versus his lack thereof when the DT was out is staggering. Don’t be surprised if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah ends up buying Tomlinson a new car as a thank you when he gets his first Pro Bowl nod.
Am I being a bit over the top? Perhaps. But anyone who’s studied Tomlinson’s impact understands he’s a perfect fit in this new Browns scheme.
Jim Schwartz loves a four-man pressure. He wants his front to get home and his back seven to cover and confuse. Tomlinson perfectly accommodates Schwartz’s preferences and will help free up two of the best in the game, Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, to get home early and often.
The former Alabama star is already loving the competitive environment the Browns’ staff has created. “I think coach Schwartz is the biggest part with that. Everybody’s just talking, having fun, and we love to compete,” Tomlinson said. “So we’re always competing with each other and just going against offense to compete even more. It’s just like, you’re in heaven with competing.”
Tomlinson is checking the mentor box as well. “You know, me and Jordan[Elliot], we work almost every day after practice and technique work and stuff like that. And it’s the small things, and I tell them the small things make the biggest difference,” Tomlinson said, “When it comes to pass rush, playing the run, just being effective as a defensive tackle. And he’s been picking up everything and I feel like his game’s evolving this training camp, and I’m excited. What he’s going to do when we got down the field.”
Tomlinson also touched on the benefits of an extra week at The Greenbrier. “I feel like it helped out way more, super lot, just because like you said, we are in groups, walking around, eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner together,” Tomlinson said. “Just on the off day just trying to find something to do. If it’s like just sitting around the table debating about different topics and stuff. And we just come together as a whole, better group. And I feel like that’s going to lead us and play even better throughout the season, because we’re playing for each other at that point.”
Tomlinson also has the luxury of familiarity. Kevin Stefanski knows him intimately from their time in Minnesota. Their relationship and trust is undoubtedly a huge reason the monster is wearing orange as camp opens. Stefanski knew from the moment they agreed to terms that he had the right guy in the building. “I’m excited about Dalvin being a Cleveland Brown.” Stefanski said back in March after the signing. “He’s a smart, tough football player. In addition to being a productive force in the middle of the defense, he’s a high-character person. He’s a great teammate and exactly the type of person we want as part of our time.”
As camp began, Stefanski took to the podium and again couldn’t say enough good things about his new anchor.
The pieces are coming together in Cleveland, and the expectations are growing. Yes, depth is a concern. Yes, there are a lot of people with a lot of proving to do. But if this team ends up achieving its lofty goals, you can rest assured Dalvin Tomlinson will have been a crucial cog in the wheel of success. Buckle up, Cleveland, you’re about to have a new favorite big man.
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