Three Cleveland Browns with the most to prove at training camp
By Dan Justik
Linebacker Mack Wilson
It is no secret the Cleveland Browns group of linebackers remains the biggest question mark entering the 2020 season without a proven leader among the group. The Browns defensive staff has made it clear it will be an open competition for the starting jobs, putting plenty of pressure on Mack Wilson.
Wilson was thrust into one of the starting linebacker jobs during his rookie season in 2019, making it appear like he will be a front-runner for a starting job in 2020. However, after struggling to become acclimated to the NFL game as a rookie, Wilson will need to show plenty of growth during his sophomore season.
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Wilson will be competing with B.J. Goodson, Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips for one of the starting linebacker jobs, but also competing to become the middle linebacker and the leader of the unit. With his brief starting experience, Wilson will need to show during camp he has a better grasp of the mental aspects of being an NFL linebacker to win the starting middle linebacker job.
Although Wilson made some plays in pass coverage, he had several lapses in judgement when it came to filling the run. Wilson need to show in training camp that he can stick to his assignments and help in the run game before being trusted as the on-field brains of the defense.
It will be difficult for all players learning the new scheme as training camp is the first time they will be on-field with the coaching staff. However, it will be important for Wilson to show the work he put in during the virtual offseason with the new scheme can translate to the field at training camp.