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Analyzing the Cleveland Browns depth chart at linebacker

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns returns an interception during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers the at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The game ended in a 21-21 tie. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns returns an interception during overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers the at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The game ended in a 21-21 tie. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 09: Adarius Taylor #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches an interception thrown by Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Free agent steal: Adarius Taylor

While Avery was a draft steal, Adarius Taylor could be a free agent steal. Last year, Taylor started 10 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had a career-high 60 tackles and also recorded his first interception as a pro. A former team captain for Tampa Bay, he left in free agency as he signed a two-year contract with the Browns.

At the time of his signing, Taylor was expected to be a rotational player. However, he’s apparently already working with the starter during the offseason. According to Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com, Taylor was out there with Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey when the Browns defense was in a three-linebacker set during offseason workouts.

"“Adarius Taylor is going to be a factor in the linebacker rotation. He spent time working alongside Ray-Ray Armstrong with the second unit on Wednesday. Thursday, he was on the field with Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey when the Browns went to three linebackers.” – Labbe, Cleveland.com"

Granted, it was already stated that the Browns won’t primarily be in this defense. Still, the fact that they’re throwing Taylor out there in this formation so quickly speaks highly to the type of player he is. He could also help them move Avery around more as they would feel comfortable using him on the line should Taylor be able to give them a suitable option for the times they do need to run a traditional 4-3 defense.

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