5 Linebackers Cleveland Browns must know in 2021 NFL Draft
By Cory Kinnan
1. Kuony Deng, Cal
One of the more tantalizing prospects in all of the 2021 NFL Draft has got to be California linebacker Kuony Deng. Once featured on the Netflix original series “Last Chance U,” Deng made his way to Cal from Independence Community College and debuted with the Golden Bears in 2019.
Playing next to Evan Weaver (the NCAA leading tackler), Deng still managed to rack up 62 solo tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, and three sacks for the Golden Bears’ defense a year ago. He also defended a whopping eight passes from the second level of the defense.
The most tantalizing tool Deng possesses, however? His massive size and length. Deng is listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds for the Golden Bears, and is now entering his second full season playing the linebacker position. He posted the numbers he did still raw to the position, and now with some experience and with Weaver departed, it will be well worth the watch to see how Deng can play when the PAC-12 returns to play in November.
Next. 5 reasons Browns gig is better than Cowboys. dark
He can provide valuable reps not only against the run and the pass from the second level, but Deng has the versatility to provide fluid reps off the edge as well in passing situations. Should Woods get ahold of him in 2021, Deng could make a swell SAM linebacker for the Browns.