4 Cleveland Browns who needed OTAs to improve
By Greg Newland
2. Jacob Phillips, Linebacker
After a strong rookie camp in 2020, third-round 2020 pick, Jacob Phillips, cemented himself as the weak side starting linebacker. An unfortunate knee injury would sideline him for over one-third of the season, and he looked a few steps slow once he did return.
Phillips is an athletic linebacker who is slightly undersized at 6-foot-3, 229 pounds, but he is a tackling machine. He has the toughness to fill the interior gaps, and the speed to run side to side and chase plays down.
Phillips will need these OTAs to get the knee completely healthy and to begin trusting it again. A knee can be tricky, and he will need some live action to prove to himself he is healed and then can play and not think about it.
Phillips will have a huge role in 2021 as he and Walker will be the primary linebackers to begin the season, and he will also have the task of fighting off a rookie pick from the 2021 draft who is extremely talented.
Phillips will be a major contributor, especially early in the season, but it is important that he stays healthy and continues to improve each week. Every snap he gets before the season will be one additional rep of experience that will help him become the best possible player.