Analyzing the Cleveland Browns depth chart at linebacker
By Randy Gurzi
Fighting for the last spot: Ray-Ray Armstrong
The first six names on this list seem like locks. Assuming they will go seven deep at linebacker, that leaves one spot up for grabs with four names left. The only one of those four with any experience in the NFL is Ray-Ray Armstrong who has been with five clubs since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Miami in 2013.
The 28-year old Armstrong has 144 career tackles, with 60 of those coming in 2017 as he split time with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants. He joined the Browns in October of 2018 and had just six tackles in nine games. His path to the 53-man roster won’t be easy, which has been the story of his career. He does have experience on his side though, which goes a long way — especially considering the fact that two rookies and a second-year pro are expected to be on the roster.
Undrafted, but could make the team: Willie Harvey
The most likely name to unseat Armstrong for the final spot is Willie Harvey, the former Iowa State linebacker. A late addition to the team, Harvey is an undersized defender (6-foot-0, 224-pounds) but was constantly around the ball for the Cyclones. His path to this team is as a special teams player, which is an area the team desperately wants to improve. His nose for the ball and strong tackling ability could serve him well on coverage units.
Longshot fighting for a spot No. 1: Anthony Stubbs
A longshot to make the team is Anthony Stubbs, who played at a small school by the name of Prairie View A&M. He had 78 tackles in 2018 according to the Browns website and is listed at just 220-pounds. Much like Harvey, special teams will need to be his calling card, although the practice squad seems like his most likely landing spot at this point.
Longshot fighting for a spot No. 2: Dedrick Young, II
Another player fighting for a spot is Dedrick Young, II from Nebraska. He played at the most well-known school of the three undrafted free agents and had some good numbers at his pro day. According to Sam McKewon of Omaha.com, Young weighed in at 233 pounds, put up 26 reps in the bench press and ran in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash.
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Over his final two seasons, Young racked up 163 tackles, a sack, and an interception for the Cornhuskers. Again, with the lack of experience behind their starters, he would have to really stand out to beat out Armstrong. That’s not to say it’s impossible though.