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3 Linebackers Cleveland Browns should target

By Justice Sunderland

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 06: Taylor Gabriel #18 of the Chicago Bears completes a reception for a first down as Rasul Douglas #32 and Nigel Bradham #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles defend in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 06: Taylor Gabriel #18 of the Chicago Bears completes a reception for a first down as Rasul Douglas #32 and Nigel Bradham #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles defend in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Nigel Bradham #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Nigel Bradham #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

3. Nigel Bradham, LB

This is probably the closest thing to what they had on their roster last year. Nigel Bradham is a slightly undersized linebacker who thrives more in pass coverage than stopping the run just like Joe Schobert.

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Bradham has earned above a 73 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in three of the past four seasons. He has good speed to flow from sideline to sideline but can struggle against a power running attack.

Durability is a question for the 30-year-old who was limited to 12 games last year due to injury.

He recorded 61 tackles, five pass breakups, and one interception. If he plays a full season he usually gets around 100 tackles and is in the passing lanes a lot.

Bradham can struggle to stop the run if they come straight at him and that wouldn’t be good news for Cleveland who ranked 30 against the run last season. It would be up to the defensive line to occupy blocks so Bradham can use his speed to make plays.

That’s when the veteran linebacker was at his best with the Philadelphia Eagles. He could shine when players such as defensive tackle Fletcher Cox can take on two blockers and free him up to use his athleticism and instincts.

This wouldn’t be a long term solution and hopefully, Cleveland can bring in somebody younger in the future but Bradham has some good football left and is a capable starter even if it’s only for a season or two.

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