The Cleveland Browns lost a pair of former starting linebackers this offseason in Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey. As such, there are some holes to fill at the second level.
It appears the Browns will let training camp determine their starters at the position. Linebacker coach Jason Tarver said everybody in the current linebacking group will have the opportunity to win the starting roles in camp (via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone):
“It’s an open competition,” Tarver said. “All of our guys have a chance. It’s open. That’s what’s exciting.”
Tarver added his starters will have to be able to play up in the box and rush the passer, as well as drop back into coverage and take on man-to-man matchups (via Petrak):
“A lot of our linebacker positioning is interchangeable,” Tarver said. “They’re all going to have to do certain things. We’re going to rush them, we’re going to drop them. They’re all going to have to be in situations and do similar movements.
Second-year players Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki return, and B.J. Goodson join the group after signing a one-year deal. The Browns also selected former LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. All of them will have the chance to see significant action.
Wilson replaced Kirksey (injured) as Cleveland's starter last year, and he figures to stay at one of the outside spots. The question will be who replaces Schobert in the middle. Schobert was one of Cleveland's best playmakers, totaling 133 tackles, four interceptions, and nine passes defended.
Goodson seems like a good candidate given his abilities in coverage, but he failed to play more than 50 percent of defensive snaps last season.
Phillips' speed gives him more of an outside ‘backer feel, but his former coaches believe he could play inside as well.
In any case, these players have a proving ground heading into camp.
Follow Us
Subscribe