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Five AAF players the Cleveland Browns should consider signing

By Dan Justik

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Damontre Moore #98 of the New York Giants reacts against the Minnesota Vikings during a game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Damontre Moore #98 of the New York Giants reacts against the Minnesota Vikings during a game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 24: Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs is hit after throwing a pass by DeMarquis Gates #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs 45-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 24: Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs is hit after throwing a pass by DeMarquis Gates #3 of the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels defeated the Bulldogs 45-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

DeMarquis Gates, Linebacker

The Cleveland Browns released Jamie Collins early in the off-season, seemingly leaving a hole at one of the starting linebacker spots. In place of Collins, it is expected Genard Avery will be Collins’ replacement.

However, Avery is best suited to play on the edge and pressure the quarterback instead of playing in space. Avery has good athleticism but did not have much success when dropping into coverage.

It does not seem like a priority for the Browns front office, but they should be looking for an off-ball linebacker who can play well when in coverage. The Browns linebackers were picked apart when in coverage last season and should look to improve in that area.

One option from the AAF is DeMarquis Gates, who led the league in tackles. In eight games, the 23-year-old made 71 total tackles, five forced fumbles, one sack, five total pressures, and one pass break up.

The Browns are familiar with Gates because he was in training camp with the team last season. He did not make the team, but Dorsey and the front office have seen Gates up close. He may not be the answer as the starter, but he’s played well on special teams and was a reliable tackler when on the field for the Memphis Express. If the Browns want to add more competition at linebacker, Gates could emerge as a solid option.

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