Cleveland Browns: 2016 depth chart predictions
The Browns will have new starters at both inside linebacker positions after seeing Karlos Dansby and Craig Robertson leave in free agency.
In their place will be free-agent signee Demario Davis and third-year linebacker Christian Kirksey.
“As an inside linebacker, the more opportunities we have to tackle and practice physical, we want to do that.” – Inside linebackers coach Johnny Holland
Davis comes to Cleveland after being a full-time starter for the New York Jets the past three seasons, but saw his playing time dwindle in the second half of the 2015 season due to his continued troubles with pass coverage. He finished the 2015 season with 90 tackles, two sacks and two passes defensed. In four years in New York, Davis had 349 tackles, 6.5 sacks and eight passes defensed in 51 starts.
Kirksey is a solid, if nondescript, player who has made 13 starts in his two seasons with the Browns. He doesn’t do anything particularly well, but the coaching staff is hopeful that they can utilize his athleticism in coverage and as an occasional pass rusher.
On the second unit will be Justin Tuggle and rookie Joe Schobert.
Tuggle signed with the Browns as a free agent from the Houston Texans, where he appeared in 42 games, making 11 starts, posting 52 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception, while adding 19 tackles on special teams.
Schobert, who may also see time at outside linebacker, is a player that many Browns fans are eager to see on the field. A Second Team All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2015 after finishing among the nation’s leaders in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (19.5), Schobert seems like an ideal fit for a defense lacking playmakers and run stoppers. But he lasted until the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, so it is fair to wonder if he will be able to duplicate his college success at the NFL level.
“In order to be an inside linebacker or a defensive player period, you have to be physical. In order to be physical, you have to practice being physical,” inside linebacker coach Johnny Holland told the team’s website. “You can’t just be physical overnight and get into a game and be physical. As an inside linebacker, the more opportunities we have to tackle and practice physical, we want to do that.”
Next: The Cornerbacks