Cleveland Browns 2015 position preview – Linebackers
The Cleveland Browns defense is entering 2015 with some pretty high expectations from a lot of people.
The defensive line has been revamped through the draft (Danny Shelton and Xavier Cooper) and free agency (Randy Starks), while the already stingy secondary added Tramon Williams to play opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden.
With the possible exception of Nate Orchard, the Browns linebacker corp has gone largely unchanged, let’s take a look at the position group heading into the 2015 season.
On the outside, Barkevious Mingo and Paul Kruger are returning, though incumbent Mingo will be facing a tough camp battle against Orchard, a second-round pick out of Utah who posted 18.5 sacks in 2014. In addition, journeyman Scott Solomon is getting some attention from the media and the coaching staff, so look for him to make some noise as we move through training camp as well.
While Mingo may be in a battle on one side, Kruger is firmly entrenched in his position on the opposite side coming off of a solid 11 sack season in 2014.
Related: Browns Position Preview – Defensive Line
Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Paul Kruger (99) against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ll come in camp in shape, bigger, better and stronger, being able to do everything I need to do.” – Barkevious Mingo
Inside linebacker is going to be a similar story, with the venerable Karlos Dansby having the left inside linebacker spot on lock down after a season that showed the 33-year-old linebacker give as much effort and energy on every play as any 24-year-old on the field. It is also no coincident that the run defense struggled, giving up almost 127 yards a game (including 244 against Cincinnati), in the four games Dansby missed with injury.
Related: Browns Position Preview – Defensive Backs
The other inside spot may well be by committee, with Chris Kirksey and Craig Robertson sharing snaps throughout the season. Don’t expect too much competition from anyone else on the team for playing time at the inside linebacker spot. A good rotation, with Dansby anchoring the unit, should quietly be one of the most underrated units on the field this season.
Rookies Hayes Pullard and Mike Reilly will certainly have their chance to earn a roster spot, but it will be an uphill battle, with their best opportunities being on special teams. Barring injuries, don’t expect to see too much of the two rookies during the season. Darius Eubanks is another linebacker who will have a real uphill battle to make the team, and if he does so the practice squad may be his best bet.
Overall, if Mingo can leave the past behind him and evolve into the pass rusher the Browns were hoping he would be when they drafted him number six overall in the 2013 draft, combined with the addition of Orchard and the presence of solid veterans on the team, the Browns linebackers can be a solid unit that supports both the defensive line and the secondary to help pick up an offense that may well have it’s fair share of struggles this year moving the ball up and down the field.
Do you think the linebackers will have a solid year in 2015?