Browns that need to step up in 2015 (Part 1)

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2.Linebackers

Linebackers will be essential to the  success of this team opposing the run, something the Browns have sucked at for ages. Specifically, Barkevious Mingo, Carlos Dansby and Christian Kirksey, must all raise their game play. Both Mingo and Dansby were injured for much of the year, causing a significant drop off in quality play, but healthy bodies places the onus of responsibility on both of them. Dansby is in the twillight of his stellar career, but for Mingo, this year is critical. He must perform at a pace commensurate with his high (6th overall) draft slotting, or he could find himself with out a team. Christian Kirksey was everything he was drafted for and more. The stud out of Iowa, has stated that he worked all offseason on getting stronger and faster, and if this is the case, Kirksey could be looking at a Pro bowl this season this year.

Related: Cleveland Browns 2015 position preview – Linebackers 

Rookie Nate Orchard is mature beyond his years, and this lightning quick OLB out of Utah might just be the steal of the draft. He is sneaky fast, very strong and a sure tackler. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, witness his 18.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss last season at Utah. Remember, this isn’t against the Mountain West or other lesser division, this is against Pac 12 teams, like Oregon, USC and Stanford. Orchard is my pick for the Browns Defensive rookie of the year.

Next: Offensive Line