Analyzing the Cleveland Browns depth chart at linebacker
By Randy Gurzi
Outside linebacker, or EDGE? Genard Avery
In 2018, the Browns added Memphis linebacker Genard Avery in the fifth-round of the NFL Draft. He proved to be one of the bigger steals in the entire draft as he was a strong contributor as a rookie. While at Memphis, Avery excelled as a hybrid linebacker who could stop the run but also attacked the quarterback off the edge.
In his four seasons with the Tigers, Avery had 230 tackles and 21.5 sacks. His final year was by far his best as he had 80 tackles, 22 for a loss, and 8.5 sacks — all career highs.
He continued to show incredible versatility as a rookie, finishing his first season with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks while starting five of 16 games. Where he really made his mark was playing close to the line as the team used him in this role often as Emmanuel Ogbah was out with an injury.
Heading into this year, it will be interesting to see what the plan is. He could take over for Jamie Collins, who also had some pass rushing prowess. Or, they could look to use him as a potential backup to Oliver Vernon and Myles Garrett should the current backups not offer much as a pass rusher.
Whatever the plan ends up being, Avery will be a prominent player for the Browns during his sophomore season.