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4 Cleveland Browns set to have a breakout year in 2021

By Greg Newland

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 25: Odell Beckham Jr #13 of the Cleveland Browns before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 25: Odell Beckham Jr #13 of the Cleveland Browns before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Aug 14, 2020; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips (50) chases wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (11) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jacob Phillips, Linebacker

One of the more exciting young players on the Cleveland Browns roster in 2021 will without a doubt be Jacob Phillips. The linebacker from LSU was drafted in the third round last season and really showed signs of greatness.

Phillips has a nose for the football, is a great tackler, and has the speed to play sideline to sideline. And although he needs to work on his coverage skills, he showed tremendous improvement throughout last season which is a great sign.

Unfortunately, in 2020 he dealt with a nagging knee injury which never allowed him to play as free as he would like. In three starts and nine games of action, Phillips had 25 tackles which included one tackle for loss.

If we turn back our memories, just remember the Kansas City game when he really made some big plays in the open field. With a year of healing and learning, I believe Phillips is set to have a monster year with 100-plus tackles.

Perhaps the biggest addition to the roster that will help Phillips is Anthony Walker. Although Walker isn’t known as a top-10 linebacker in the league, this was an extremely underrated signing by the Browns. Not only will Walker be a good player on the field, but he is also a tremendous leader and will take Phillips under his wing.

With a healthy Phillips, look for the Browns to have two linebackers with 100 plus tackles in 2021 and a defense that could likely be in the top five.

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