The Cleveland Browns selected defensive end Isaiah McGuire out of Missouri in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
After essentially taking a redshirt season in his rookie year, McGuire now has a chance to make a massive impact on the Browns. Then, McGuire really shined during the preseason where he was a constant threat in the backfield. This forced the Browns to get him on the field despite being a healthy scratch in Week 1.
Even with Wright and Ogbo Okoronkwo playing snaps through the last three weeks, the Browns have forced themselves to put the talented McGuire on the field as he has played about 15-to-20 snaps in that span.
Not only does McGuire have a chance to make an impact for the Browns, he has to make an impact with the season-ending injury to the ascending Alex Wright. He is now a core rotational pass rusher for the Browns, and with superstar Myles Garrett nursing injuries and coming off of the field more, McGuire is going to see plenty of chances.
Fresh off of what should have been a game-changing forced fumble that resulted in a defensive touchdown for the Browns, McGuire is looking to stack performances and do his job on a defense that is still asking questions five weeks into the season.
Now consider Za’Darius Smith entering the later stages of his career. McGuire’s impact on the field is not only about this year as the Browns need the young player to step into the spotlight (even if it is most immediate), but they need him to establish himself as a contributor beyond 2024 as well.
Is McGuire up for the challenge? Why wouldn’t he be? His new journey as a core rotational player starts against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.