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While it was at the cost of their draft pick, the Browns secured another satisfying victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland during week 17.
Without top wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers offense could not find any sort of rhythm against the Browns, failing to find the end zone even once. Part of this was due to the outstanding play of cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Denzel Ward, who both had PFF grades of 82.0 or higher. The Browns also saw the best version of linebacker Jerome Baker, who collected a season-high 86.0 grade.
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Despite not collecting his record-breaking 23rd sack, defensive end Myles Garrett had a productive day with 4 quarterback hits and a 67.3 overall grade. Linebacker Devin Bush also brought the pressure with an 81.0 overall grade and 8 total tackles. Overall, it was an impressive effort in the Browns' first franchise victory over future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Now, let’s take a look at the Browns' top defensive PFF grades from their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers:
CB Tyson Campbell
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) enters the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 90.1
Run defense grade: 65.8
Pass coverage grade: 90.2
LB Jerome Baker
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) stiff arms Cleveland Browns linebacker Jerome Baker (17) in the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 86.0
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Run defense grade: 72.3
Pass coverage grade: 78.9
CB Denzel Ward
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) looks on during the game against San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 82.9
Run defense grade: 71.7
Pass coverage grade: 82.6
LB Devin Bush
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) in the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 81.0
Run defense grade: 80.6
Pass coverage grade: 71.5
LB Mohamoud Diabate
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 74.5
Run defense grade: 60.8
Pass coverage grade: 76.0
S Grant Delpit
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (9) celebrates an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 72.6
Run defense grade: 70.8
Pass coverage grade: 75.3
DE Cameron Thomas
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) is tackled by Cleveland Browns defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) in the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 71.5
Run defense grade: 63.9
Pass coverage grade: 67.8
DE Myles Garrett
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) looks to sack in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 67.3
Run defense grade: 58.8
Pass rush grade: 66.6
DE Alex Wright
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright (91) reacts in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 64.6
Run defense grade: 66.3
Pass rush grade: 57.9
DT Mason Graham
Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) and linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) celebrate in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Overall grade: 63.9
Run defense grade: 66.3
Pass rush grade: 59.6
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns PFF Grades: The top defenders in Week 17’s win
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