Cleveland Browns 53-Man roster prediction Preseason Week 2

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 08: Linebacker Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Linebacker (7): Joe Schobert, Christian Kirksey, Genard Avery, Adarius Taylor, Sione Takitaki, Mack Wilson, Willie Harvey

The linebacker spot was a position that general manager John Dorsey spent a lot of resources on during this past offseason. After releasing veteran Jamie Collins, he added free agent Adarius Taylor — who spent last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and then went into the draft looking for more help.

In Round 3, they selected Sione Takitaki from BYU and then took Mack Wilson out of Alabama when he slid into the fifth round. Those players were all brought in to provide depth to a position that was dealt a couple of injuries last season.

Both Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert missed time but return fully healthy this year. Schobert, who made the Pro Bowl in 2017, is entering a contract year as he seeks to prove he’s worth making a long-term investment on.

Genard Avery could end up being the third starter, although he could also play on the line considering he showed off a lot of pass-rushing prowess as a rookie. Either way, he looks like an absolute steal as a day three pick last year.

Lastly, the team keeps undrafted Willie Harvey. A former Iowa State standout, Harvey is slightly undersized but could be a great option on special teams considering his speed and willingness to deliver a hit.

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