5 Linebackers Cleveland Browns must know in 2021 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of a linebacker
To anybody who has watched a down of Cleveland Browns football this year, the revelation that a linebacker is needed is not a surprise at all. Easily the worst position group on the roster, the Browns will need to make a significant upgrade this offseason in order to get a jump out of their defense led by Joe Woods. What better place to look for a new and young talent than the 2021 NFL Draft?
Mangles by injuries, the Browns have gotten just limited action out of 2019 starter Mack Wilson and 2020 third-round pick Jacob Phillips. This has forced the brunt of the workload onto journeymen linebackers B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith, with 2019 third-rounder Sione Takitaki playing a significant role as well.
With Wilson and Phillips both set to potentially return this week, the unit as a whole could see an improvement in their performance. Regardless, it is likely an upgrade at the second level of the defense is in order in Cleveland. Who are some names to keep an eye on? Here are some fits in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Honorable Mention: Micah Parsons, Penn State
Penn State’s Micah Parsons lands as an honorable mention here, because in all reality, the Browns will likely find themselves far out of reach of his services. Likely a top-five pick, with top-ten being his floor, the Browns would have to win just four or fewer games the rest of the way to find themselves in range to land Parsons.
Some have Parsons ranked higher than top 2020 linebacker Isaiah Simmons, he will be a hot commodity for teams picking at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft despite playing at one of the lower priority positions in the league. While Parsons in a Cleveland uniform would be the dream, it looks to be quite literally that: a dream.