5 Questions left for the Cleveland Browns to answer after the 2020 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
1. Is linebacker going to be the downfall?
One of the biggest storylines this offseason, and really throughout the final weeks of the 2019 season, was the contract situation for linebacker Joe Schobert. A former fourth-round pick from Wisconsin, Schobert had developed into a leader on the Cleveland defense and constantly topped the team in tackles.
Even with his impressive numbers, the Browns elected not to give him the big-money contract he was after and he now will be on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Also gone is his former teammate Christian Kirksey, who was tied with Joel Bitonio as the longest-tenured player on the team before being released this offseason.
Kirksey, who joined the Green Bay Packers, was a beloved player but injuries hampered him recently and his contract was higher than this regime was willing to pay. With those decisions now in the rearview, the Browns have to hope their linebackers are good enough to get the job done.
Right now, it appears Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki would be the clear starters with rookie Jacob Phillips and veteran free agent B.J. Goodson also in line for snaps.
While none of these players are incapable of performing well, there are more questions than answers right now at the position.
Next. Way too early 53-man roster prediction. dark
Unfortunately, no amount of debate will answer those questions as the only thing the Browns can do is hope the guys they have can rise to the occasion.