Cleveland Browns: 2016 depth chart predictions
Paul Kruger has one of the starting spots on lockdown, but who will line up opposite him remains very much too be determined.
Kruger had a career year in 2014 with 11 sacks, but fell off to just two last season as he was mysteriously asked to fill the cover linebacker role far too often by former defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil. While Kruger was not very impressive the last time he played under Horton, he should be able to come closer to his 2014 production than the numbers he put up last fall.
“They understand the importance of that position and that role. They’re competing with each other.” – Outside linebackers coach Ryan Slowik
Behind Kruger will be second-year linebacker Nate Orchard, who appeared in 15 games as a rookie, posting three sacks. Orchard has one distinctive skill — rushing the passer — but is overmatched against the run, so he will most likely only see the field in passing situations. Orchard will also be auditioning for a starter’s role in 2017, when Kruger will be entering the final year of his contract and can be released without seriously impacting the salary cap.
On the other side the Browns will be looking at a combination of Barkevious Mingo, who did not have his fifth-year option picked up by the team, and second-round draft pick Emmanuel Ogbah, who will be making the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker.
Mingo has never been the pass-rushing threat that the Joe Banner-Mike Lombardi regime mistakenly drafted him to be, but he is a decent run defender and uses his athleticism as a solid coverage linebacker.
On passing downs it should be Ogbah’s time to show why the Browns selected him at the top of the second round. The Browns will probably be happy for this year if Ogbah can help provide a consistent pass rush, but longterm they will need him to show he can be a three-down linebacker.
There should also be plenty of times where both Ogbah and Mingo are on the field together, as Ogbah can put his hand on the ground as a 4-3 end on passing situations with Mingo lining up behind him with the ability to either be an additional rusher or drop back into coverage.
“Right now, it’s all about competition,” outside linebackers coach Ryan Slowik told the team’s website. “That’s a decision that they are making for themselves. They understand the importance of that position and that role. They’re competing with each other. That’ll play out.”
Next: The Inside Linebackers