1. Joe Schobert, Linebacker
Last but not least, is middle linebacker Joe Schobert. Unlike Nick Chubb and David Njoku, Schobert wasn’t forgotten about by his coaches. He wasn’t sidelined the way Njoku was and didn’t sit out during the team’s crucial defensive plays.
Schobert was out there for the big plays and started every game this season. That led to him recording his third-straight campaign with 100-plus tackles. In addition to those 133 tackles he had, Schobert added two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a career-high four interceptions.
His play and usage have nothing to do with why he could be better off with a new regime. Instead, it’s all about his contract.
As was mentioned in the beginning, Dorsey was all about his guys. He proved that by trading Emmanuel Ogbah for Eric Murray — who he drafted. He also brought in Kareem Hunt and Demetrius Harris — who he drafted.
At linebacker, he started making a lot of moves as well, which weren’t looking good for Schobert, who was not drafted by Dorsey. This offseason, he signed Adarius Taylor and drafted Sione Takitaki in the third round and Mack Wilson in the fifth.
He also didn’t seem very inclined to give Schobert an extension as the linebacker’s representatives said late this past season that no formal offer was ever sent their way despite Schobert’s desire to stay with the Browns.
Now that Dorsey is out, there’s a better chance someone will come in with no bias and give Schobert a new contract. That’s why he could be better with the change in decision-makers.