Cleveland Browns: In-state 2021 NFL Draft prospect fits
By Cory Kinnan
3. Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
The Browns have been lacking a linebacker who can cover running backs and tight ends since the dawn of time. There is a highly versatile linebacker in the state capitol who has shown significant improvements each and every year of his career with the Buckeyes in the form of Ohio State WILL linebacker Pete Werner.
Werner has continued his ascension up draft boards this season, especially after he proved he could hang with one of the nation’s best tight ends in Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth down the field this season. This is simply not a skillset any of the current linebackers on the Browns roster possesses and could strike big in Cleveland.
The 6-foot-3 and 242-pound linebacker has racked up a career 12 passes defended from the second level of the defense, and has a knack for being able to make tackles in space and behind the line of scrimmage. With Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki finally showing signs of life and development, the Browns may be able to wait for one second at the linebacker position, especially considering they just invested a third-round pick in Jacob Phillips in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He will be off to the Reese’s Senior Bowl after this season, giving himself the chance to improve his draft stock even more. Werner would be a tantalizing and versatile talent to add to this defense as he can simply do things that the other linebackers cannot.