4 Cleveland Browns who will blow up in 2021

2. Jacob Phillips – Linebacker

Just nine picks after drafting Jordan Elliott, the Browns took linebacker Jacob Phillips from LSU, who showed throughout college that he was a tackling machine. Phillips played side by side with Patrick Queen who was a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens, even though Phillips had better statistics both years in college.

Phillip’s biggest issue in 2020 was staying on the field. He suffered a knee injury during his first game of action and that limited him to only nine games in 2020, of which he started three.

Although the action was limited, Phillips showed that his nose for the football and speed combination is much to be desired. He quickly found a role as the middle linebacker and dethroned Mack Wilson who had showed some promise at the end of 2019.

The Browns locker room will likely be weak heading into 2021 as the Browns just don’t value the position enough to spend big money. B.J. Goodson was okay in 2020, but he will likely be on the move as well after the expiration of his one-year agreement.

Look for Phillips to stay healthy and take command of the Browns defense. It’s likely the Browns will also draft a linebacker in the 2021 draft that Phillips will need to mentor. With another year of getting stronger and learning the scheme, look for Phillips to be a guy who stands out on film in the 2021 season. I see him with 100-plus tackles and being the most improved player on the defense from last season.