5 Linebackers Cleveland Browns must know in 2021 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
3. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina
As the NFL is transitioning to a pass-heavy, the need for linebacker to show the ability to be consistent in coverage and not only against the run grows. Perhaps the most fluid linebacker in coverage in this 2021 NFL Draft crop is North Carolina Tar Heel Chazz Surratt.
The twin brother of another 2021 draft prospect and Wake Forest wide receiver Sage, Surratt frequents top-five lists at the linebacker position this year. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Surratt is a bit thin, but has great athletic ability and is still not afraid to shy away from contact at the point of attack. Fun fact about Surratt as well: he was the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels for a stint as a freshman in 2017.
A year ago in Chapel Hill, Surratt racked up 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, 66 solo tackles, six and a half sacks, and one interception. He is extremely fluid in coverage, showing the ability to consistently hit his landmarks in zone coverage, and no slouch against tight ends either given his length.
He is a likely day-two target, so if the Browns land a linebacker in the second round of the draft, then Surratt is a great talent to bring to Cleveland.