Browns 53-man roster prediction after Preseason Week 1

Linebacker (5):

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Jacob Phillips
Anthony Walker
Sione Takitaki
Dakota Allen

The Browns don’t go deep at linebackers in this prediction, bringing just five of them to the 53-man roster. They typically use just two on the field as defensive coordinator Joe Woods loves to go with three safeties for the most part. Because of this, they can go heavy at other spots while keeping a couple of linebackers on the practice squad in case of emergency.

As for their starters, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is an absolute lock. He started to really come on strong late in his rookie season last year and can be a major problem for opposing offenses. He’s capable against both the run and pass and can even get after the quarterback on the blitz.

Next to him will be Jacob Phillips, who seems to have overtaken Anthony Walker as the middle linebacker. Phillips has been all over the ball carrier when on the field but he struggles with health. As for Walker, he won’t blow anyone away but he’s a smart veteran and everyone on the team loves him. He’s still going to get a lot of snaps.

Sione Takitaki is fourth and continues to do his job with very little fanfare. He’s great on special teams and never seems to miss tackles. He won’t produce highlight-reel plays but he’s smart and does his job.

Last is Dakota Allen who played really well against the Jags. He showed discipline against the run and could be an option as a SAM linebacker.