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Paul Kruger: Browns' defense 'right there' with Ravens

Published: Jul 29, 2013 at 05:08 AM

Gregg Rosenthal

Around The NFL Podcast Co-Host

Paul Kruger was a huge part of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl championship defense. He believes his new squad on the Cleveland Browns measures up.

"I think (on defense), we're right there with them," Kruger said Sunday, via the Canton Repository. Kruger knew there would be some doubt about it, so he followed up: "Honestly."

It's really not that crazy a notion. The Ravens' defense was mediocre overall last season and was hammered by injuries. The Browns have an extremely talented front seven with Ahtyba Rubin, Desmond Bryant, Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo, Phil Taylor and D'Qwell Jackson.

"I'm not just saying that," Kruger said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "We have an extremely fast middle linebacking corps. Joe Haden and the other corners are covering extremely well right now, so I'm not exactly sure how exactly it would rank out."

Throw in the Browns' biggest offseason acquisition -- defensive coordinator Ray Horton -- and the defense might rank in the NFL's top 10. The Browns aren't getting much attention in the AFC North, but this is a squad that has a lot going for it if it just gets modestly improved play at quarterback.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

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