Linebacker - My Take

It's 4 days away from the draft and I'm pumped.  I wanted to take a look at some positions the Browns will probably address, maybe not high but in the middle rounds of the draft.  We'll start with linebacker.

The Browns starters look like this:

WLB - Chris Gocong - serviceable player, signed a 3 year extension last year so he'll be here.  Had an awesome goal line stand against Pittsburgh.  Can play weak or strong side.

MLB - D'Qwell Jackson - very good season last year, needs to stay healthy or the Browns are in real trouble

SLB - Scott Fujita - he's 32 and has finished the season on the IR the past 2 seasons.  He also faces a possible suspension in the wake of the bounty scandal.  Position should be upgraded.

Reserves -

Kaluka Maiava, serviceable backup
Ben Jacobs - ??
Quinton Spears - ??
Brian Smith - ??
Craig Robertson - ??

May be time to improve the depth of the linebacking core.  It may be catastrophic if Jackson gets hurt again. 





So let's take a look at some possibilities in the draft.  I think there is a chance they take Lavonte David in the 2nd round.  They had him in for a visit and by all accounts a lot of teams like what he brings to the table.  He'd play the Will and move Gocong to the strong side, and should be able to come in and start.  He's not that big, 6' 233 lbs, but can tackle, blitz, and cover.  Just a solid football player.










Other Weakside backers they may look at:

Zach Brown, North Carolina - 2nd Rounder, not quite as good as David.  Will inject athleticism into whatever defense he goes to, I like the guy.











Travis Lewis, Oklahoma - 2-3 Rounder, four year starter at Oklahoma, looked like a first rounder after his sophomore season.  Should be able to come in and contribute immediately.

Terrell Manning, NC State - 3-4 Rounder, good football player, good sized (6'2 240).  Pure Will, should be a good special teams player.







Keenan Robinson, Texas - 3-4 Rounder, good size, high production at Texas.  More finesse than physical.

Sean Spence, Miami - 4-5 Rounder, small, run and chase guy, should be a special teams demon

Tahir Whitehead, Temple - 5-6 Rounder, backup and special teams guy

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky - 6-7 Rounder, undersized, should destroy people on special teams.


Strongside Backers:

Nigel Bradham, Florida State - 2-3 rounder, (6'2 240), rocked up, solid football player, should start somewhere early.





Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest - 2-3 rounder, played outside in a 3-4 at Wake and may project better there but should be able to play Sam in a 4-3, can blitz and drop, needs to get stronger









Josh Kaddu, Oregon - 3-4 rounder, athletic, solid football player, has gotten better every year.

Audie Cole, NC State - 4-5 Rounder, big guy, played Mike his senior year.  I'm a fan I think he can be a starter, started 38 games in college, 6'4 250.









Miles Burris, San Diego St - 5-6 Rounder, athletically limited but a tackling machine, will need to learn how to cover.


Jerrell Harris, Alabama - 6-7 Rounder, better suited for a 4-3 than the 3-4 he played in at 'Bama, has the tools to stick.  Could be a solid late-round find.




Middle backers: - not going to be a priority for the Browns IMO so I'm only going to mention one guy

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State - 5-6 Rounder.  Once pegged as a sure-fire 1st rounder, has seen his stock plummet after terrible workouts and interviews.  He takes way to many personal fouls, lacks discipline, and doesn't have great instincts.  But he hits a ton and if the right coach can tap into his potential he could be a productive player.  I'd take him in the 5th and let him kill people on special teams as a rookie.  Very polarizing player though.




Obviously there are other guys but these are guys I see as good fits where the Browns will be drafting.

The Browns should look to add some depth and possibly look for a starter at LB in this draft.  They should be able to add some athleticism even in the middle rounds as they continue the transition to a 4-3.