5 Cleveland Browns with the most to lose in Preseason Week 2

Player No. 4: Jacob Phillips

The Browns have wanted Jacob Phillips to fill the role of Mike linebacker in their defense since he flashed his abilities as a rookie. From a physical makeup, Phillips is a prototypical new-age linebacker in the NFL. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, Phillips is a rangy athlete with true sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability.

Unfortunately, to this point in his young career, injuries have been the major limiting factor in determining Phillips’ role on the defense. Heading into his third year with the team, the former third-round pick is once again getting a shot to man the middle of the defense.

It appears to be a two-horse race between Phillips and veteran Anthony Walker Jr, and currently, Phillips has the inside track due to Walker being sidelined with a groin injury. Now with Walker being activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list, it will be imperative for Phillips to demonstrate that he is the man for the job.

A solid effort against the Eagles heavy run game could be enough to get Phillips the nod. The Browns would love nothing more than to have Phillips win the job and pair him and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah together for the long haul. But they are not just going to hand the job to Phillips, he is going to have to go out there and earn it.