Daily Dawg Tags: Talking Cleveland Browns linebackers

The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know including a deeper look at their linebacking corps

Starting early last season, the Cleveland Browns linebackers became a focal point for this team. That’s because they allowed Joe Schobert to leave in free agency and released Christian Kirksey which left them rather thin at the position.

Players such as Mack Wilson tried to step into a leadership role and free-agent addition B.J. Goodson was also brought in to be a veteran presence. That wasn’t enough though as the unit was still their weakest spot on the defense.

Now as we head into 2021, there are still some questions but the Browns have options. This year, they replaced Goodson with Anthony Walker and brought in Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Tony Fields in the draft.

With the new additions, as well as some of the returning players set to battle it out, Cleveland hopes this season will be better in this regard. Today’s Daily Dawg Tags looks at the way the linebacker position is rounding out and much more.

Cleveland Browns News

You want linebackers? OK, let’s look at the linebackers! Terry’s Talkin’ Browns — Terry Pluto, Cleveland.com

"“The Browns have two “tough, smart and accountable” veteran linebackers in Malcolm Smith and Walker. Smith is strong in pass coverage, and leadership skills. But the Browns expect Walker to lead the defense. They thought Goodson was solid in that area, but Walker can be special.”"

Pluto not only talks about Walker but looks at JOK as well while also preaching patience. The Browns do have a lot of new faces on defense which should help them improve but they will need to learn to work together.

He also brought up Malcolm Smith who was a very underrated signing in 2020. Smith has often been forgotten about, but he too can be a playmaker for this defense.

3 rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2021

Sam Penix really likes the Browns draft class but he says that they (finally) won’t be forced to start rookies this season out of necessity. Instead, they can all fight their way onto the field and these three are the ones he thinks will have the biggest impact this year.

Browns could look to bring back Sheldon Richardson

Sheldon Richardson was let go in a cost-cutting move but the door is still open for him to return. If that were to happen, the Cleveland defensive line would be rather crowded but Richardson would still be a sure-fire starter.

Baker Mayfield hosting Austin workout with offensive teammates

So far, the Cleveland offensive players have not attended OTAs but that won’t stop them from getting together. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is arranging a workout in Austin which should help them prepare for the upcoming season.