5 Cleveland Browns players who need to improve
4. Mack Wilson
This is another case of a player who isn’t playing bad but he needs to improve because of the loss of another player — linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Kirksey was the captain and leader of that defense, although they will not ask him to step into that role he will have to replace some of his production.
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Mack Wilson is a rookie fifth-round pick out of Alabama, so you know he was well-coached in college and it says a lot that he was put in the lineup to replace a leader like Kirksey.
He has only started four games and is already fifth on the team with 26 tackles and has made an impact in the passing game which is usually tough for young linebackers.
Wilson has two things going for him. First, he’s learning from a good player. He’s playing next to Joe Schobert who is tied for the league lead in tackles and teaches Wilson how to be a pro.
Another thing is his defensive line has been great. The defensive tackles are making plays in the run and pass game and Myles Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in the league. They eat a lot of blocks making it easier for Wilson to get tackles.
Wilson has had a slight problem missing tackles in his four starts. He has missed 13 percent of his tackles, according to Pro Football Reference. That’s not a horrible number but it is higher than you want for your starting linebacker.
He’ll get the chance to improve because the Browns are committed to playing him — he has only missed one snap since becoming a starter. Wilson hust needs to make the most out of that chance.