Jayme

Mitchell

Both Sheard and Jayme Mitchell like to play on the left side, but Mitchell moved to the right yesterday and it paid dividends. Sheard was everywhere, recording his first sack, first forced fumble and first fumble recovery. He also stuffed Delone Carter for a big five-yard loss that forced a field goal in the third quarter.

Mitchell is more of a long-bodied run-defender type at 6-foot-6, 285, but the Browns want to keep Sheard at his natural position. Through two games, Mitchell has 7 tackles (6 solo) without a big play. Sheard has 8 tackles (7 solo), and is coming off a breakout game against the Colts with a sack and forced fumble. He’s the far more explosive rusher and better IDP target.

Mitchell became expendable after the Browns signed Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker. Mitchell had never made a start before making 13 of them last season. He graded out as one of the league’s worst 4-3 ends by Pro Football Focus. He should latch on elsewhere as a situational run stuffer.

Mitchell got out of the gates hot with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the Browns’ first three games, but he’s been a non-factor ever since. At 6-foot-3, 255, Stephens more fits the profile of a weak-side rusher than Mitchell (6'6/285). Stephens, however, doesn’t have a sack on the year. The Browns will need to find another edge pass rusher in the offseason.

Any time someone is slated to miss “significant time,” they’re a good bet to be placed on injured reserve this late in the year. Jayme Mitchell should fill in at right end against the Ravens provided he’s over his ankle injury. Stephens replaced Mitchell as the Browns’ starting right end in Week 11.

It will be the second game Mitchell has missed in three weeks. Mitchell hasn’t been an IDP factor this season, notching just 24 tackles and two sacks. Emmanuel Stephens will start in his place.

“We had to focus on getting some guys that can play defensive line,” said Shurmur. “With (Ahtyba) Rubin, (Phil) Taylor and (Jabaal) Sheard, we think we solidified those three spots pretty well.” Jayme Mitchell and Emmanuel Sanders, who manned right end in 2011, are better utilized as rotational ends.

Mitchell has always appeared to have the physical tools at 6'6/285, but he’s consistently disappointing on the field. During 43 games with the Vikings and Browns, he’s posted just 6.5 sacks. Mitchell will be in a fight to stick with the Bucs as a rotational end.

Mitchell, an annual disappointment on the field, left the team because he was unhappy with his role. New coach Greg Schiano is cleaning house as he installs a more disciplined regime.

Mitchell was Minnesota’s top backup at left end, behind Ray Edwards. This hurts the Vikings’ depth, but Brian Robison is better anyways and makes for a fine replacement if needed. Otis Grigsby may also now make the club.