4 things to expect from the Cleveland Browns this Preseason
By Greg Newland
No. 3 – A lot of snaps for linebackers
One position that will certainly have a spotlight on it is linebacker. Over the last three seasons, the Browns have drafted five different guys, and there could be a real changing of the guard.
2019 picks Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson will be fighting for their lives more than anyone. Even though they have a ton of starting experience, look for them to be on the field a lot during the preseason to prove their worth. There is a great chance that only one of these two will make the final roster.
2020 pick Jacob Phillips looks to be safe to make the roster. He and Anthony Walker will likely see fewer snaps to save their bodies and see what the others are able to prove.
Rookies Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK) and Tony Fields will also see a lot of snaps this preseason. As an early second-round pick, JOK will need to get a feel for the speed of the game as he will likely get a lot of snaps during the regular season.
Fields was a fifth-round pick who is undersized. Look for him to get a lot of snaps on defense and on special teams to see if he can earn his way onto the roster.
Veteran Malcolm Smith is in a strange situation. He looks to make the roster because of his leadership but could find himself on the outside looking in if both Takitaki and Wilson shine in camp. Walker was known for his leadership in Indianapolis and could easily fill that void.
There is a ton of talent at linebacker that needs to be sorted out and look for Joe Woods to do that this preseason.