4 dream scenarios for Cleveland Browns in Round 1
By Greg Newland
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
While many are against taking a linebacker in the first round, I have two names that the Cleveland Browns must take if they happen to fall to them. While many are excited about Zaven Collins from Tulsa, I think he may be a bit of a reach at No. 26 because of the lack of talent he has played against. However, one guy that has shown dominance is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from Notre Dame.
What’s most intriguing about Owusu-Koramoah, is his ability to cover and all of his experience playing both linebacker and safety. Defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, has wanted to move to the 4-2-5 and has struggled because of his roster. Owusu-Koramoah could step in and play the hybrid linebacker/safety role which would allow Grant Delpit to move to free safety and Ronnie Harrison at strong safety.
At 6-foot-1, 216 pounds, Owusus-Koramoah is already closer in size to a secondary player and he could likely lose 5-10 pounds if he was able to get a bit more speed. Having that hybrid player in the Woods scheme with so much experience at linebacker could be the best of both worlds. A guy who can cover like a safety, and tack like a linebacker. Who wouldn’t want that?
The issue with this pick, other teams will be interested as well. And with Owusu-Koramoah being the clear number two linebacker in the draft, the Browns will need a run on quarterbacks and cornerbacks to have a chance at him falling to No. 26. While it could be a bit of a long-shot, Owusus-Koramoah could potentially be the best fit if he was available.