2. Linebacker
One thing that’s going to be proven in time is that the Browns did the right thing in moving on from Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert. Both were incredibly popular, which made it hard, but the money didn’t match up. Kirksey was making too much considering his durability issues and Schobert’s contract demands were a bit high for a linebacker, which is a position that can be replaced for relatively cheap.
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That’s what Cleveland is going to try and do here as they are expecting big things from Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki. Each is entering their second season in the NFL and for Wilson, it will be his second as a starter. He played well at times but showed that he was a steal in the fifth despite some games where his youth was evident.
Takitaki started out the year as a special teams player but did make one start. He finished with only 21 tackles but was a third-round pick that the former front office really believed in. Apparently so does Andrew Berry, which is why he felt comfortable making the moves he did.
As for the third linebacker on the roster, Cleveland added B.J. Goodson, who was with the Green Bay Packers last year. Goodson is more of a run defender than anything else and while the signing was a good one, it would be wise to get some competition.
The best fit would be Isaiah Simmons in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it appears as though he will be long gone by pick No. 10. So unless they trade up, Cleveland is going to be looking for help later on in the draft — no other linebacker is worth taking at that position.
Whatever they decide, the Browns have to find more talent at linebacker before going into the season. Schobert and Kirksey can be replaced, but they have to find talent in order to do so.