- Projected starters: 95 Kamerion Wimbley (OLB), 55 Willie McGinest (OLB), 54 Andra Davis (ILB), 58 D’Qwell Jackson (ILB)
- Key backups: 56 Antwan Peek (OLB), 94 Leon Williams (ILB)
- On the bubble: 52 Matt Stewart (OLB), 51 Chaun Thompson (ILB), 90 David McMillan (OLB), 53 Mason Unck (ILB), Jason Short (ILB), 59 Clifton Smith (ILB)
- Practice squad eligible: 44 Mike Alston (OLB), 34 Kevin Sears (OLB)
- Probable number on 53-man roster: 9
- Off-season departures: Nick Speegle
- Unit strength: average
Analysis: A deep crew of versatile linebackers is an imperative for a successful 3-4 scheme, and the Browns are at least stable in this regard, with all eight players returning, plus some pass-rush help in the form of free agent Peek.
On the inside, veteran Davis regressed last year from his previous production, dropping from eight to four tackles for loss and from 11 to two quarterback pressures. He is competent in coverage, but overall he’s maybe a touch above average, not the game-changing force you’d like to see from your starter at this position. Jackson, the highly-touted second-round pick last year, beat out Thompson in training camp and started 13 games (and covered kicks on special teams) until turf toe ended his season in December. “Undersized but instinctive” reads his calling card. He figures to improve this year and may in fact be the favorite to lead the team in tackles. Williams has the ideal size/speed combo for an ILB, and the fourth-round developmental pick surprised many with some solid play late last year. He had as many tackles as anyone in each of his three starts. If he can build on that, he’ll see plenty of time in a three-man rotation, perhaps challenging Davis down the road to start at strong side.
Thompson, the fourth inside backer, seems to have fallen from favor, having never quite put it all together after being drafted too high as a raw small-school prospect in 2003. Changes in position and scheme haven’t helped, nor did a lingering wrist injury, though he’s never missed a regular-season game. The Browns may rely on him for depth and special teams at most, then let him hit free agency after the season. I’d like to be proven wrong here, because I’d enjoy seeing him set free as one of many blitz options in a more adventurous defense, if he can handle the role mentally.
The other candidates at ILB include two special-teamers, Unck and the newly-signed Short, plus Smith, who will get a long look in camp due to the NFL Europa roster exemption.
The situation outside is similar: three players are set for the two positions, with one former starter in the mix as a reserve. Wimbley had the best rookie year of any Browns’ first-rounder in memory. He already has more sacks as a Brown than anyone on the roster. Having made the conversion from college DE to 3-4 OLB, he seems primed for stardom. But a team needs more than one pass-rushing threat, and that’s why Peek was signed to play the other side along with the 35-year-old McGinest, whose legs may permit him to be no more than a two-down run supporter at this stage. Peek could prove aptly-named (if not spelled): he has experience playing the 3-4 in the NFL, and he’s hungry to return to that role in his home state under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who was a position coach while both were in Houston. It’s not out of the question that he’ll oust McGinest from the starting job, or at least play more snaps.
Stewart, with 61 career starts, is quality depth, and he’ll be motivated too, entering his contract year. McMillan, the tweener drafted two years back, may be the odd man out unless he proves indispensable as another pass rusher. It’s too early to handicap which bubble players will stick, but figure on three of the six, assuming no early injuries to the starters or key backups. One wild-card: if McGinest really lags, it’s not impossible for him to be released, as it would benefit the team’s future salary cap situation. As with all the Browns players, I’d rather see him succeed here, but if sufficient alternatives are already on the roster, then the future may as well arrive this summer.
In sum, Mike Haluchak’s linebackers corps appears to have a fine mix of young talent and experienced depth suitable for the varied demands of the 3-4 system. Continuity should only benefit them. Until the expected breakthrough happens on the field, their grade remains average, with the trend line pointed skyward.
