What 2021 NFL draft means for Cleveland Browns linebackers

With Andrew Berry adding two linebackers in the draft, the Cleveland Browns depth chart is starting to look crowded

The Cleveland Browns came away from the 2021 NFL draft with a tremendous haul. They were able to fill needs at cornerback, defensive tackle, linebacker, and added depth on the offensive line and wide receiver.

Perhaps the biggest steal of the draft was landing linebacker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK) from Notre Dame, at pick No. 52. Cleveland jumped up seven spots in round two and moved back 24 spots from round three to four in the exchange with the Carolina Panthers.

General manager Andrew Berry and the Browns weren’t done yet at the position, as they would later draft a linebacker, Tony Fields from West Virginia, in the fifth round at pick No. 153.

While some believed that the organization didn’t put a high value on the position, this draft more than solidifies that the organization understands the importance of having above-average linebackers. Please don’t get that confused with a $14 million a year guy though.

With the additions this offseason and adding two linebackers in the draft, there are likely a few players who saw substantial snaps in 2021 that may not make the opening day roster. Remember, not only did the Browns add three players at the position this offseason, defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, wants to play most snaps with only two linebackers on the field and five secondary players.

Don’t expect anything to happen immediately, as Berry will want to carry seven potential starters into camp to create competition, but there will be difficult decisions that have to be made. Here is a player-by-player breakdown of what’s to come at linebacker for the Browns in 2021.