Browns’ Linebacker targets for the 2024 Offseason

With numerous pending free agents, the Browns will undoubtedly need to address the linebacker position in some way this offseason. Considering Andrew Berry’s track record with linebackers, it’s unlikely we’ll see any splashy moves at this position. Nevertheless, there are some intriguing options available in both the draft and free agency. Here are some possible Browns’ linebacker targets for the 2024 offseason.

Who is Leaving?

These are the Browns’ linebackers that are set to become free agents this offseason (name (defensive snaps/special teams snaps)):

  1. Sione Takitaki (567/131)
  2. Anthony Walker Jr. (456/117)
  3. Matthew Adams (97/435)
  4. Jordan Kunaszyk (56/125)
  5. Jacob Phillips (0/0)

These players account for 53% of defensive snaps among linebackers with Matthew Adams standing out as a special teams ace. Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki played significant roles in the linebacker rotation alongside JOK. Andrew Berry traditionally doesn’t heavily invest in the linebacker position, and given the looming extension for JOK, I wouldn’t expect that to change. Currently, the Browns’ roster features 5 linebackers, with Mohamoud Diabate being the sole player under contract beyond the 2024 season.

JOK stands out as the only experienced starter among these linebackers, making veteran additions very likely. I’d expect comparable short-term signings to those in previous offseasons, paired with one or two mid-round draft picks. Tony Fields and Mo Diabate primarily served as special teams contributors last season, with limited defensive action. Diabate showed flashes in his sparse playing time and could be poised for a breakout as early as next season. However, adding some proven veterans to the mix should definitely be a priority for the Browns. Rounding out the linebacker group are second-year players Charlie Thomas and Caleb Johnson, who will likely compete for roster spots as special teams contributors. After assessing the current state of the Browns’ linebacker room, let’s take a look at some possible offseason targets!

Free Agent Targets

1. Blake Cashman (Houston Texans)

After struggling with injuries during his tenure in New York and experiencing limited playing time in his first year with the Texans, Cashman finally broke out in 2023. Weighing in at 237 lbs., he showcases impressive athleticism and fluent movement in open space. His legit long speed was on display in a coverage snap against Jacksonville, where he matched strides with Calvin Ridley. In zone coverage, Cashman guards players instead of ground, displaying great coverage instincts and flashes of strong ball skills. Additionally, he proved himself as a proficient run defender, utilizing his speed to make plays from sideline to sideline and always positioning himself near the ball. Although he occasionally misses tackles, he can deliver nasty hits and rarely finds himself in unfavorable positions against the run. Cashman’s slight lack of length and size can constrain him when matched up against bigger tight ends in coverage.

Blake Cashman epitomizes the modern-day linebacker, capable of staying on the field regardless of down and distance. His coverage ability would complement JOK well, considering that JOK was most effective as a blitzer and downhill run defender last season. Both players boast exceptional athleticism and are coming off breakout seasons, underscoring the upside of this duo. While Cashman faced injury problems in New York, they were non-existent in Houston, making him a less risky signing than two years prior. Considering Cashman’s performance and the Texans current linebacker situation, a return to Houston remains a viable option. I’d expect his salary to end up being somewhere in the $4-6 million range on a short term deal. In my opinion, he stands out as one of the most enticing linebacker targets within the Browns’ financial reach in free agency.

2. Sione Takitaki (Cleveland Browns)

Takitaki spent his entire five-year NFL career in Cleveland, as one of the few players retained from the prior regime. While he may not possess the same long speed as Cashman, Takitaki exhibits solid initial burst and fluid movement in the open field. Much like many other players on this defense, Takitaki thrived under Jim Schwartz, showcasing his ability to play fast. Despite sharing similar size with Cashman, Takitaki looks more powerful on film. He’s consistently communicating pre-snap, ensuring everyone is in the right alignment. Takitaki demonstrates sound tackling technique and is generally reliable when tackling in the open field. However, around the line of scrimmage, he occasionally overshoots his target, allowing ball carriers to slip by. Additionally, he sometimes loses the ball in traffic, giving up rushing lanes or opportunities for play action passes.

Amid Anthony Walker’s struggles with injuries, Takitaki was in and out of the lineup. Even when Walker was healthy, there was a rotation between the two as the second linebacker next to JOK. Takitaki wore the green dot numerous times for this defense, demonstrating his on-field communication and leadership skills. Reports suggest mutual interest between the Browns and Takitaki for a reunion before the start of free agency, indicating a deal could be imminent. Although Berry isn’t known for signing linebackers to multi-year contracts, I think Takitaki could be an exception. He has maintained relatively good health throughout his career, aside from a torn ACL late in the 2022 season that sidelined him for five games. Moreover, having Takitaki as a relatively cheap option to start beside JOK would be advantageous. Considering these factors, I firmly believe Takitaki will be a Brown again in 2024 and hopefully beyond.

3. Tyrel Dodson (Buffalo Bills)

As a result of a significant injury to star linebacker Matt Milano, Tyrel Dodson got the oportunity to start for Buffalo in 2023 and made the most of it. He possesses impressive short-area quickness and coverage instincts, allowing him to hang with running backs and tight ends in one-on-one matchups. Despite him being slightly shorter than average, Dodson weighs in at 237 pounds, making him unexpectedly strong. Additionally, his long arms compensate for his lacks of height. Dodson proves to be a capable run defender, utilizing his speed and agility to evade blockers or overpower them. However, his length can pose a challenge when covering taller pass catchers in man coverage, which the Browns frequently run. Additionally, he has struggled with missed tackles throughout his career, an issue that plagued the Browns’ defense last year as well.

I’m still undecided, whether he could take on the role of being the “quarterback of the defense”. However, he would undoubtedly excel as a valuable role player and possible special teams contributor, while also providing crucial depth. With Milano slated to return to the lineup in 2024 and the Bills’ having recently invested in mid-round draft picks at linebacker, I could see them letting Dodson walk in free agency. Additionally, with the Bills releasing several key players in their secondary, they’ll likely prioritize other pressing needs on the roster. Signing Dodson would likely cost the Browns around $2-4 million. Although Anthony Walker could have been among the Browns’ linebacker targets, given his solid performance and leadership on defense over the past three seasons, I believe Dodson offers greater on-field upside and is less injury-prone, having missed only two games in Buffalo over the last three seasons.

Draft Targets

1. Junior Colson (Michigan)

Colson embodies the archetype of an old school, thumping middle linebacker, yet exhibits remarkable movement skills that allow him to thrive in the modern NFL. Although Michigan’s website lists him at 6’3″ and 247 lbs., he weighed in at 238 lbs. at the combine. Whether he intentionally cut weight for the combine or if this is another instance of colleges inflating measurements remains uncertain. Regardless, he showcases impressive athleticism for his size and resembles a wrecking ball near the line of scrimmage. Colson demonstrates a knack for locating the ball carrier and possesses an impressive tackle radius even when engaged with blockers. You rarely see Colson miss tackles, which were a significant weakness for the Browns’ defense last season. While he displays some stiffness in coverage and may struggle to keep up with tight ends downfield, he still possesses enough athleticism to avoid being a liability.

Although the NFL is undeniably a passing league, stopping the run remains a crucial aspect of any defensive game plan. Despite significant improvements in this area last season, the addition of a player like Junior Colson could potentially be the missing piece in Cleveland. As a young and athletic prospect from a prominent college program, Colson fits Andrew Berry’s criteria to a tee. It’s no secret that this Browns’ front office doesn’t prioritize the linebacker position as highly as others, yet they’ve demonstrated willingness to invest when the value is right. Although Colson may be selected as early as the second round, if he makes it to the third, the Browns should strongly consider him. This move could secure an affordable starter alongside JOK for the foreseeable future. In terms of the draft, Colson should be at the top of the Browns’ list of linebacker targets.

2. Cedric Gray (North Carolina)

Coming out of North Carolina with four years of collegiate experience, Gray already possesses considerable maturity for a 21-year-old. As a full-sized middle linebacker he showcases good, not great, speed and movement skills. While his long speed may be lacking, he possesses excellent short area quickness which is arguably more important at his position. In zone coverage, Gray displays solid instincts, covering players rather than grass. Gray exhibits impressive upper body strength, evident in his ability to shed blocks and relentlessly pursue quarterbacks as a pass rusher. However, Gray is not without weaknesses, such as occasional missed tackles and limitations in coverage beyond flats and hooks. Despite these areas for improvement, Gray stands out as an exceptionally polished player coming out of college. He does a lot of things well, yet there aren’t many aspects in which he strikes you as elite either.

As a high-floor prospect with special teams experience, Cedric Gray holds value for every roster in the NFL. Should the Browns opt to bring back Sione Takitaki, Gray would have the opportunity to get up to NFL speed instead of starting right away. While there is somewhat of a gap between Gray and the top linebackers in this class, I believe he won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on day three of the draft. Depending on how the board falls, he might be available at the top of the fifth round for the Browns. If they really like him, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of trading into the fourth round either. Even if he’s not drafted to be an immediate starter, I believe Gray will still see the field in year one as part of the linebacker rotation and contributing on special teams.

3. Trevin Wallace (Kentucky)

Wallace went into the draft process as more of a late round prospect but significantly boosted his stock with a great combine performance. He embodies an impressive combination of size and speed, making him an immediate asset on special teams upon entering the NFL. Recently turning 21 years old, he ranks among the youngest linebackers in this class. During his tenure at Kentucky, Wallace exhibited solid awareness in the run game, consistently positioning himself near the ball. He proved to be effective as a blitzing threat, recording 5.5 sacks in his final year at college. Despite possessing impressive long speed, his initial quickness isn’t quite as good. On inside run plays, Wallace has a tendency to lower his head and crash into a wall of linemen at the line of scrimmage, causing him to lose track of the ball from time to time.

In the 2021 draft we’ve witnessed another highly athletic linebacker from Kentucky who ended up being drafted on day one. While Wallace may not possess the same level of freakish athleticism as Jamin Davis, I wouldn’t be shocked if Wallace goes earlier than consensus expects. He may require a few years to develop into a dependable mike linebacker, but his talent is undeniable. Similar to Gray, I expect Wallace to begin his career sitting behind a veteran like Takitaki, gradually increasing his role. With a player like Matthew Adams potentially leaving in free agency, Wallace’s contribution to special teams would be greatly valued as well. While it wouldn’t shock me to see Wallace go on day two, a day three selection might be more realistic. Regardless, he should be on the Browns’ list of linebacker targets in the draft.

Conclusion

I won’t be creating scenarios as I did for the wide receivers and defensive tackles, since I believe any of these free agents and draft picks serve a similar purpose. With free agency just around the corner, we’re finally going to get some clarity on Andrew Barry’s approach for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed my list of possible Browns’ linebacker targets and share my excitment for free agency to finally begin.


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