Browns Jabaal Sheard Looks To Build On Strong Rookie Season, Become Elite NFL DE

Now in his second year, the Browns' Jabaal Sheard will look to improve on an impressive rookie campaign in which he led all rookie defensive linemen with 8.5 sacks.

The former Pittsburgh standout has been receiving tutelage from veterans Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker, both of whom signed with the Browns in March.

Sheard has tried to keep his weight down this offseason, and now has his sights set on a double-digit sack output.

Said Sheard: "I hear about Freeney and Peppers and all these guys. I just want to be as good as them. I just want to be great. I want to work hard and hopefully one day be that dominant D-end that guys talk about."

Right takle Mitchell Schwartz is optimistic about Sheard's chances for a big year, saying, "He’s one of the guys that has all three moves. He’s got the speed outside when he wants to use it. He’s got the bull rush when he wants to use it. He’s got a couple good inside moves when he wants. So he’s got a little bit of everything."

For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature and SB Nation Cleveland. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.