Cleveland Browns: 4 things to expect at training camp
By Joel W. Cade
There will be an odd man out in the outside linebacker room, which currently consists of Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Nate Orchard, and Armonty Bryant (suspended for four games to start 2016). Throw in draft picks Emmanuel Ogbah and Joe Schobert and there are six serious contenders for four spots.
Drafting Ogbah in the second round means the Browns will want to start getting him reps. He plays the same position as Kruger, so expect both of those players to make the team as rush linebackers – Ogbah to learn, Kruger to start now and mentor.
Related: Is a bigger Barkevious Mingo better for the Browns?
Both Orchard and Mingo play the drop linebacker position, and Orchard came on strong at the end of last season. Then it comes down to Schobert, Mingo and Bryant. With Bryant’s suspension, the question reduces to Mingo or Schobert. Schobert is primed to be a special teams contributor, is younger and cheaper than Mingo, and was drafted by this regime. Mingo is the odd man out.
The Browns must either play it out and let him leave via free agency, trade or release him. Letting him leave after the season would land a fourth- or fifth-round compensatory pick. But why not be like the New England Patriots and trade him before the season? If someone is willing to give a fourth- or fifth-round pick, expect Mingo to be gone. The Buffalo Bills are potential trade partners with the recent injury to Shaq Lawson.
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