Cleveland Browns: Genard Avery poised for more after Kendricks release
By Randy Gurzi
After the Cleveland Browns released linebacker Mychal Kendricks, more will be expected of rookie Genard Avery, and he’ll be ready to step up
The news cycle wasn’t kind to the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. First, there was a report of a sexual assault allegation at an apartment occupied by wide receiver Rashard Higgins and tight end David Njoku.
Neither player was accused as it was reportedly a friend of theirs who was at the same apartment. The next bit of news that broke however did directly involve a player for Cleveland.
It was later in the day Wednesday that we all became aware that linebacker Mychal Kendricks was the subject of an investigation into insider trading. Not long after that, Kendricks found himself unemployed.
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For him, the road will only get tougher but that’s a discussion for another day. Instead, we can look to the field and ask how the Browns will be impacted by the loss of Kendricks.
A talented linebacker, Kendricks was supposed to give the Browns one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL. They could still shoot for that type of recognition however thanks to the presence of Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, and Joe Schobert.
Even with Kendricks, those were the projected starters. His versatility simply allowed the team to sub any player and keep a top-level talent on the field at all times. However, the presence of Genard Avery keeps that possibility alive.
Selected in the fifth round out of Memphis, Avery has turned heads during training camp and the preseason. He’s built like a defensive lineman, but can move like a linebacker. He’s shown exceptional ability as a rusher off the edge and could be a force against the run on early downs.
The Browns want to see more out of him in pass coverage to consider him an every down player, but Avery has exceeded every test so far and can at the very least keep the others fresh for those passing situations.
Avery will get better the more he’s on the field and with Kendricks gone, he will benefit the most out of any defender on the Browns.
Next. Browns do the right thing by releasing Kendricks. dark
He’s currently dealing with a hip injury, but all signs point to Avery being on the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Look for him to make the most out of every snap he plays in that game and each one moving forward.