A dynamic linebacker could do wonders

The Browns are coming off an interesting free agency period when it comes to the linebacker position. They ended up losing Joe Schobert to free agency and decided to release Christian Kirksey. As of right now, their most experienced players at this spot are Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki.

It’s important to appreciate Schobert’s importance to the Browns’ defense last defense. He managed to rack up an impressive 133 combined tackles (seven for loss), two sacks, four QB hits, four interceptions, nine passes defensed, and two forced fumbles, all while appearing in all 16 games.

Cleveland did sign B.J. Goodson in free agency but he is nothing more than a rotational caliber linebacker. When factoring in that acquisition, the Browns still only have linebackers that at best will end up being serviceable, but that’s just not enough.

They need a linebacker that has a dynamic enough skill-set to set the tone for the rest of the position group. Drafting a different position in the first round and waiting for a later round is unlikely to accomplish this. That’s why trading up for Isaiah Simmons makes sense.