Browns Roster: 5 veterans who could be pushed off roster by 2021 draft picks
By Sam Penix
1. Malcolm Smith
He’ll count for less than $1 million against the salary cap this season, was one of Pro Football Focus’s highest-graded linebackers in 2020, and will likely be the starting will as long as he’s on the roster, but Smith’s spot on the team is not guaranteed. It will depend entirely on the development of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, how quickly the rookie picks up his new position, and whether or not the coaching staff truly feels he’ll be best there.
The issue with labeling JOK a linebacker is that he didn’t do LB things in college. He played a role closer to a slot cornerback than a true linebacker, never engaging with offensive linemen and rarely playing inside of the tackle box. Adjusting to life as an NFL linebacker will not be easy for him. Contributing on passing downs shouldn’t be an issue, as that’s his specialty, but holding up against the run isn’t something that should be expected of him.
It’s not that he can’t do it, it’s just that he hasn’t done it. And that’s why Smith will be manning that role until JOK proves he can be relied on to provide passable play against the run.
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If that happens, there’s no reason to keep Smith around just to keep JOK on the bench.