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4 Cleveland Browns who will benefit the most from free agency moves

By Greg Newland

Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Anthony Walker (54) during the first half of the NFL week 5 game at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. The Browns won, 32-23.Indianapolis Colts At Browns At First Energy Stadium In Nfl Week 5 Cleveand Ohio Sunday Oct 11 2020
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Anthony Walker (54) during the first half of the NFL week 5 game at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. The Browns won, 32-23.Indianapolis Colts At Browns At First Energy Stadium In Nfl Week 5 Cleveand Ohio Sunday Oct 11 2020 /
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Cleveland Browns
Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs the ball against Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Jacob Phillips (50) in the third quarter of an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jacob Phillips – Linebacker

While the Cleveland Browns didn’t go out and spend $10 million a year on a linebacker, they did make a huge improvement with the addition of Anthony Walker. And while second-year linebacker Jacob Phillips struggled to stay healthy in 2020 with a sore knee, 2021 could be his breakout year with the help of Walker.

Walker may not be a top-10 linebacker in the NFL, but he could be a top-10 leader in the locker room. Once the Browns made the signing official you saw an outpour of love and support from current Colts players who were sad to see him go.

Walker will be an instant starter for the Browns, but he will also be a teacher for Phillips. Walker is a dominant run stopper and a sure tackler but can lack in coverage. Phillips has the athleticism in space to stay with running backs which makes them the perfect fit in the Woods scheme.

Guys like Sion Takitaki, Mack Wilson, and Malcolm Smith will see the field on running downs, but most of the snaps will be Walker and Phillips in 2021. It’s a shame the Browns won’t be on HBO’s Hard Knocks this year because you can bet Walker and Phillips will be like brothers before the start of the season.

Next. Browns 7-round mock draft. dark

Look out Browns fans, this defense could be special next season.

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