Cleveland Browns: Impressive linebacker play from rookies

The Cleveland Browns’ rookie linebackers showed exceptional promise last night during their first preseason game. What does that mean for the veterans?

It’s been one preseason game into the Cleveland Browns season and eyes have been opened. With veteran Christian Kirksey playing very little and Joe Schobert and Genard Avery not playing at all, and with the rookies carrying the load — and they did not disappoint the fans.

Christian Kirksey, a veteran, unquestioned leader on the Browns defense played very little during this preseason matchup. However, during his time on the field, he was able to make a tackle and get a feel for the game after another injury-plagued season in 2018.

Sione Takitaki, more bull than man, played as expected in my eyes. Takitaki over pursued at times, as he did in college, communicated effectively to his defense and to Mack Wilson, and made three tackles during the contest.

All in all a solid night for the rookie.  When things slow down for him and he settles in more he will be a wrecking ball and the fans will see how valuable he will be to this defense.

Mack Wilson, a man on a mission to prove he is better than his draft position, did just that.  In his first taste of the NFL, he ate up the rookie signal-caller Dwayne Haskins. Two interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown and recorded three tackles. As a rookie, not playing an entire game, and playing so well, he should be the one with the game ball.

Watch these two rookies throughout this preseason and you will come to understand that their talent level will continue to rise and will give reason to ask when they will be starting this season over Schobert and Kirksey.

If these rookies play up to the level expected of them, expect veterans Kirksey and Schobert to be shopped for trade this year to get around having to pay the big contract that Schobert will demand and the injury-prone Kirksey.