Browns Digest

Browns' Ogbo Okoronkwo Striving For Double-Digit Sacks In 2024

Ogbo Okoronkwo is looking to improve his sack production in his second season with the Cleveland Browns.

Cole McDaniel

Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54).
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54). / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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The first round of Cleveland Browns' OTAs are set to begin on May 21. With some offseason programs getting started this month, many of the players are looking ahead to the upcoming season.

One of those players looking forward to step on the field again is defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo. As he enters his second season with the Cleveland Browns, Okoronkwo has some personal aspirations for the 2024 season.

In an interview with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the veteran edge rusher discussed the desire to get to the quarterback more often.

"This year, I'm trying to... I'll say it, I'll speak it into existence. I'm going for double-digit sacks this year," stated the 29-year-old defensive end on Saturday. "That's the goal every year. I'm just gonna put in the work. I hate to say numbers, but that's what I'm looking to get."

Even though Okoronkwo wants to "break out" in 2024, his impact was certainly felt as a valuable member of Cleveland's defense during his first year with the team. Despite not being a starter, Okoronkwo was a valuable third option on the edge behind NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith. More often than not, he was able to sub in on third down and look to pressure the quarterback.

Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) and defensive end Myles Garrett (95).
Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) and defensive end Myles Garrett (95). / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Okoronkwo provided 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Browns. Prior to joining the Browns in 2023, Okoronkwo's best year was in 2022 when he had 5 sacks with the Houston Texans. In order to get ten or more, he will need to double his production from his best season. What will make things more challenging is the limited reps on early downs as long as Garrett and Smith stay healthy.

The Browns defense was top-tier last year, yet they have room to improve. At home they were ruthless but on the road they had a drop-off in production. Perhaps a player like Okoronkwo stepping up his production could give that extra push to make the 2024 Browns defense historically good.

Even if Okoronkwo does not hit his self-imposed double-digit sack goal, it is hard to imagine that Browns fans would be too upset with a seven or eight sack season from him.

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Cole McDaniel

COLE MCDANIEL

Cole McDaniel is a contributor to both Browns Digest and Cavs Insider. He is the Vice President of Operations for Kee on Sports, most notably serving as lead NFL Draft analyst and the play-by-play voice for high school football. He can also be heard on numerous Baldwin Wallace University athletics broadcasts and has served as Cleveland SC's color commentator since 2019. Cole is a 2019 graduate of Baldwin Wallace where he also played soccer. 

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