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Grading Cleveland Browns position groups after free agency and draft

By Clay Goodwin

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands between receivers Odell Beckham Jr #13 and Jarvis Landry #80 during the singing of the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands between receivers Odell Beckham Jr #13 and Jarvis Landry #80 during the singing of the national anthem prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after a third quarter sack against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after a third quarter sack against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Linebackers: C

The linebacking corps quickly went from a strength of the team to a weakness. Entering last year, they were led by veteran tackling machines Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey, and then added two rookie linebackers Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson. Kirksey then got injured for the year and left Schobert with the two rookies and some role-playing veterans.

This year, both Kirksey and Schobert are on new teams, leaving second-year players Wilson and Takitaki as likely starters. Wilson played in all 16 games and started 14 due to Kirksey’s injuries. He showed great promise in his rookie year, but needs to take some strides to be a difference-maker for the Browns.

Takitaki played mostly on special teams in 2019 but showed some ability to make some big plays. He was drafted in the third round, two rounds higher than his counterpart Wilson. He will hopefully make a big jump in year two to be a full-time starter.

The Browns drafted Jacob Phillips out of LSU in this year’s draft. He’s an athletic player and can hopefully provide great depth to the group and even push to start. Cleveland also added veteran B.J. Goodson to be a leader for the young players and provide some good depth.

This will be one of the weakest units on the team this season, but if the talented young players can make some improvements in the offseason, they could be a pleasant surprise.

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