Linebackers
Christian Kirksey enjoyed a monster season in 2016, ranking third in the league with 148 tackles. He was rewarded with a four-year deal worth $38 million in the offseason, and shifts to the outside linebacker position in Gregg Williams’ 4-3 base. Jamie Collins also signed a four-year contract extension in late January. Collins racked up 69 combined tackles and two sacks in his first eight games in Cleveland.
After dealing away Demario Davis, Tank Carder will likely start at middle linebacker. He’s played in 78 games for Cleveland over five seasons, but has only started twice. He earned a captain role in 2016.
Joe Schobert will be the backup middle linebacker, if only because there are few viable options behind him. Schobert played in all 16 games, primarily on special teams. He’ll battle with Dominique Alexander, another special teams contributor looking to expand his role.
Kenneth Olugbode was picked up as an undrafted free agent. At Colorado, he compiled 299 tackles in 41 games. Due to the lack of depth, it feels like Cam Johnson could be a candidate here. If the position switch to end does not work out, the Browns could prefer him at linebacker to a free agent.
Prediction: Collins, Kirksey, and Carder get the starts, with Alexander, Olugbode and Schobert rounding out the position. The Browns are thin at linebacker – like wide receiver, keep an eye out for a veteran addition during camp.
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