Cleveland Browns: Biggest questions heading into camp
By Dan Justik
How will the linebacker rotation be handled?
The Cleveland Browns have plenty of talent at the linebacker position, which is a great sign for the defense. They have four starting caliber linebackers in Joe Schobert, Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, and Kendricks.
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But in a league that tends to play in nickel defenses, how often are the Browns going to keep three linebackers on the field at the same time? Gregg Williams will likely have to get creative to get the players the playing time that they need.
It would not be a surprise to Williams get all four linebackers on the field at the same time in running situations. But he will only be able to do that in a few spots during games.
The interesting aspect about the linebacker situation is that Kendricks can play in all three linebacker spots in the 4-3 defense. Williams will be able to move him around to utilize his abilities in the best way possible.
The Browns have also worked on building up their secondary to improve their passing defense. If Williams wants to stop the pass, he may prefer having an extra defensive back on the field instead of having three linebackers.
The starting linebackers will be known by the end of the preseason, but how the rotation will be handled may not be noticeable until the first couple of games during the regular season.