3 Takeaways from Cleveland Browns joint practice with Giants
By Randy Gurzi
No. 1: Cleveland Browns LB JOK works with the ones
Rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah made his debut last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was beyond impressive.
He finished with eight tackles, three for a loss, and one sack. Of course, most of that work was against reserves which is why there were calls for the coaches to give him a shot with the first team to see what he could do when playing against starters.
On Thursday, that happened and JOK didn’t disappoint. According to Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay-Cabot, Owusu-Koramoah was put on the field with the first-string team due to the injuries suffered by Jacob Phillips and Sione Takitaki and flashed the same skill we saw last Saturday.
"“With so many injured linebackers, Owusu-Koramoah got his inaugural first-team reps and made the most of them. He flashed his speed and playmaking ability. The thing Owusu-Koramoah must do is continue to make sure he’s seeing the field and knowing how to fit into the flow of the defense. Other players’ injuries could hasten his journey up the depth chart.” ‚— Cabot, Cleveland.com"
Cabot even quoted the head coach, with Kevin Stefanski commenting on how many plays the rookie is making, even saying he’s “playing fast” which is quite a compliment for any player in their first season with an NFL club.
A hybrid player at Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah spent his time in South Bend playing somewhere between linebacker and safety. With Cleveland, they may call him a linebacker but he’s going to have a similar role where they drop him in coverage but still use him close to the line — and on the blitz — at times.
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Wherever it is they line him up, opposing offenses will have to take notice of where he’s at and account for him. The kid is a weapon and his ability to play with the ones is a great step in the right direction.