Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Three new Cleveland Browns players who could steal jobs

By Randy Gurzi

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats scrambles with the football past linebacker Sione Takitaki #16 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats scrambles with the football past linebacker Sione Takitaki #16 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Linebacker: Sione Takitaki

When Christian Kirksey announced the Browns third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, there was a collective “who” that rang across the fan base. After months and months of looking at potential draft picks, fans were blindsided by the selection of the BYU linebacker.

Excitement has grown since then as fans have had a chance to look at some of his film, which shows us what John Dorsey saw in him. The coaches apparently are seeing it too.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Cleveland coaching staff is already impressed with the young man and is working his way into a sub-defense role.

"“Currently, it’s Schobert and Kirskey when the Browns are in the nickel, but Takitaki will likely make a strong case to be one of two ‘backers in sub-defenses. Wilson is starting to look like a steal in the fifth round, and could siphon some reps. Genard Avery, who played on the line throughout the offseason, will play both end and outside ‘backer.” — Cabot, Cleveland.com"

While this isn’t exactly a starting job, finding his way onto the field this quickly into his NFL career is a great sign for the former Cougar.

Takitaki had a slow start to his collegiate career, due in large part to off-field issues and four different suspensions. He ended up becoming a team captain and had 119 tackles and four sacks in his senior season. He has a nose for the ball and the Browns are ready for new blood on defense — which could be a perfect storm that helps him get more reps earlier than expected.

Home/Browns News