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4 Positions Cleveland Browns could upgrade with roster cuts

By Greg Newland

Jun 9, 2021; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) and punter Jamie Gillan (7) and kicker Cody Parkey (2) and kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) walk on to the field during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2021; Berea, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) and punter Jamie Gillan (7) and kicker Cody Parkey (2) and kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) walk on to the field during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Browns linebacker Mack Wilson drops back into coverage during practice on Friday, August 6, 2021 in Berea, Ohio, at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal] /

No. 3 – Linebacker

It felt like we finally turned the page on talking about this position.  Mack Wilson had looked great in camp, the team drafted Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Anthony Walker looked to make an instant impact.

Now, Walker has been sidelined with an injury for a portion of camp, and Wilson has already missed game time.  Not to mention that Jacob Phillips is likely out for the season and Sione Takitaki is also injured.  It seems like the Cleveland Browns can’t catch a break.

I have full confidence in Walker, JOK, and Wilson getting most of the defensive snaps on Sundays, but with all the injuries I think depth is the next big question for the Browns.  Rookie, Tony Fields, has yet to even see the field, and Malcolm Smith just isn’t the same player anymore.

Elijah Lee has continued to impress on special teams, but if he must be a constant contributor on defense, I’m not sure that is a recipe for success.

At this point, it’s hard to tell if any serviceable linebackers will hit the market, but if they do, the Browns should certainly entertain the idea.  You likely won’t find a super athletic scheme fit for the 4-2-5, but a veteran who can be extremely effective vs. the run in short-yardage situations would be ideal.  I must admit, I think I miss B.J. Goodson right now.

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