Cleveland Browns: Navorro Bowman workout a bad sign for Joe Schobert
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns will be working out free agent linebacker Navorro Bowman on Tuesday, which is not a good sign about the health of Joe Schobert.
During the Cleveland Browns loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the on-field brain of the Browns defense, Joe Schobert, was forced to exit due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Schobert plays a vital role in the Browns defense, as he helps put the rest of his teammates in the right position to make a play. Schobert has also been one of the best tacklers in the NFL the past two seasons. He tied for the lead league in tackles last season. In 2018, Schobert has made 49 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and six passes defended.
On Monday, Browns head coach Hue Jackson said that Schobert would be out “for a little while.” With Schobert missing time, the Browns will be working out free agent linebacker NaVorro Bowman on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former 49ers’ and Raiders’ LB NaVorro Bowman is scheduled to work out for the Browns on Tuesday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2018
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
Bowman split time last season with the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders. He made 127 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and three passes defended.
The decision to bring Bowman in for a workout is not a good sign for Schobert’s health. With the Browns deciding to workout a veteran like Bowman could mean that Schobert will be out for a longer period of time than Jackson hinted at on Monday.
Schobert was on his way to having another Pro Bowl season in 2018. Not only was he making tackles, but his pass coverage has improved since last season. Losing Schobert would dramatically weaken the Browns defense.
If Bowman has a good workout, it would be smart for the Browns to jump at the opportunity to sign him. He has proven to be one of the league’s best inside linebackers. He may not be the same caliber player that he was a few seasons ago, but there are few available linebackers that are as talented as Bowman.
The lack of interest in Bowman since he became a free agent has been surprising. He may not be in his prime anymore, but he has remained a very capable inside linebacker.
Next. Potential wide receiver options for the Browns. dark
Bowman would help the Browns defense in not having as big of a drop off without Schobert. If he can learn Gregg Williams’ defense quickly, his addition would be very valuable.