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Cleveland Browns 2015 Roster Analysis: Linebackers

By Eric Szczepinski

Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Paul Kruger (99) congratulates inside linebacker Craig Robertson (53) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Paul Kruger (99) congratulates inside linebacker Craig Robertson (53) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) reacts to returning an interception in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) reacts to returning an interception in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Karlos Dansby

Age: 34

Experience: 12 years

Contract Status: Free agent 2018

The veteran linebacker was signed in the spring of 2014 from the Arizona Cardinals. The move to bring in Dansby was after the team elected to let D’Qwell Jackson walk in free agency. Despite Dansby being two years older in the age the move paid dividends for the Browns.

Since joining the Browns, Dansby has been the unquestioned leader of the Browns defense. Dansby graded highly in run and pass defense in 2014. Dansby anchored the Browns middle again while statistically improving from a season ago. Dansby recorded 109 tackles and had three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

Dansby played in all 16 games and despite the Browns defensive struggles Dansby was solid in the middle of the Browns front.

2016 Outlook:

Father time is ticking on Dansby’s career but the 12-year veteran has continued to play at a high level. Dansby will turn 35 in November and as long as he can remain healthy his solid play and leadership makes him a strong linebacker presence for the team.

Cleveland Browns. KARLOS DANSBY. B. Dansby reached the 100-tackle mark for the sixth time in his career, while matching career highs in interceptions and touchdowns. The veteran linebacker may be slowing down physically but makes up with it with his extremely high football IQ.. LB

Craig Robertson

Age 27

Experience: 4 years

Contract Status: Free Agent 2016

Robertson had a breakout season in 2014 showing capability to play the inside despite being slightly undersized for the position. His strong play and off fieldwork in the community lead to his nominee as the Browns selection for Walter Payton man of the year.

Robertson and the Browns could not come to a contract extension in 2015 and Robertson signed a one-year tender with the Browns. In 2016 Robertson was a decrease in production as he split more time with second year linebacker Christian Kirksey. Robertson also missed four games with an ankle injury. Robertson is a solid role player who provides the ability to produce from the inside linebacker position.

2016 Outlook:

Robertson is a free agent and it would be smart for the Browns to resign Robertson at the right price. Robertson provides solid depth and production. Though, the Browns should look to upgrade their linebacker corps this offseason as well.

C. Limited to 12 games, Robertson did not have as strong as a season as 2014 but still showed his versatility against the run and pass.. LB. Cleveland Browns. CRAIG ROBERTSON

Next: Christian Kirksey and Tank Carder

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