However, Wilson does have some ability to contribute against the passing game as well as special teams. The primary return for Banks turned out to be rookie linebacker Mike Junkin—who turned out to be one of Cleveland's worst draft picks of all time. It starts with Grace, who’s bounced around the league since 2017, which included a stint on the Browns’ practice squad in 2018. Over 139 games, Fiss recorded 13 interceptions and recovered 18 fumbles. The Browns were heavy underdogs in the game, but they pulled off a stunning upset with a 27–0 victory. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Browns LBs include D'Qwell Jackson, Dick Ambrose, Andra Davis, and Kamerion Wimbley. Be sure to check out our merch store powered by teespring.com and pick up something! Linebackers are the heartbeat of a team's defense, so it pays dividends to have a strong stable at this position. Willie Harvey signed with the Browns in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. The game-sealing interception on the one-yard line secured a 34–30 win. He played well but must produce better in 2020 if he figures to lead the linebacking unit. The projected starting middle linebacker at this point is B.J. Another chess game is to replace Joe Schobert, the leader of the group in 2018 and 2019. Takitaki is in this spot mainly because the Browns linebackers all have question marks, and he was a third-rounder in 2019. Unless someone better is signed, he is pretty much a lock to make the roster.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'overtimeheroics_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',157,'0','0'])); Grace is heading into his fourth NFL season on his fourth team. Phillips is a reliable tackler, reads and reacts well, playing faster than his timed speed would suggest. Their father, Clay Sr., played in the NFL in the 1950s, and both Clay Jr. and Bruce have sons in the NFL, as well. He instantly emerged as a standout left outside linebacker and garnered multiple accolades after helping the Browns make the playoffs in the strike-shortened campaign. Philadelphia takes the same approach. His best postseason game came against the Jets in 1986, when he had 1.5 sacks in a thrilling 23–20 overtime victory. He played... more on Wikipedia 7 I ain’t got no ligaments in it. He may be in line to compete for the other half of the middle linebacker job, coming in for Goodson on passing downs. It shouldn’t surprise if Sione Takitaki jumped into a starting role after logging modest production in 2019, or even versatile rookie Jordan Phillips. That 221 snaps with the Falcons special teams just might be what Grace needs to set himself apart from the others. The Browns signed Goodson, because he is a good run defender and consummate professional. Sione has perfected that part quite yet. Seasons: 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, Seasons: 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, Seasons:  2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, Seasons: 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, #77 of 91 The Best Alabama Crimson Tide Football Players of All Time#47 of 150 The Best Cleveland Browns of All Time, #240 of 1,323 The Best Football Players Ever#112 of 432 The Greatest Defenders in NFL History, Seasons: 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, Seasons: 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, Seasons: 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, #42 of 83 The Best Ohio State Buckeyes of All Time#69 of 154 The Greatest Linebackers of All Time, #45 of 53 The Best No. The Best Alabama Crimson Tide Football Players of All Time. It hasn't taken long for Leonard to become a focal point of the … Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts. Cleveland Browns Linebackers in 2020. They were rewarded with one of the most durable defenders in NFL history. Much like teammate Galen Fiss, a brief baseball career and a stint in the Air Force preceded Vince Costello's football career. The Browns will be heavily relying on three linebackers, Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips, who are entering either their rookie or sophomore season in the NFL. The linebacker was the top pick of the Browns in 1982 and the number three overall pick. Houston was an aggressive defender who missed just three games during his 13-year career, and he helped the Browns capture a winning record every season. In 1954, he intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in the championship game against the Lions, and in 1955, he also had an interception when the Browns defeated the Rams. Sione Takitaki, Outside Linebacker. The Best No. He spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons playing in 12 games, mostly on special teams. There’s also Jermaine Grace, who has bounced around the league since 2017. It’s likely one of them will man the opposite outside linebacker position despite their listing as middle linebackers. Goodson can also contribute on special teams, but he's dreadful against the pass. He had 18 regular-season interceptions with the Browns—including seven in 1963—but his biggest play came during the '64 NFL championship game when he intercepted Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas as part of Cleveland's major upset victory. The Cleveland Browns linebackers are raw behind projected starters Mack Wilson and B.J. When the Browns opted to draft Clay Matthews Jr. with their top draft pick in 1978, not everyone thought it was a great decision. As a sure tackler, Mike Johnson played a key role on several playoff teams for the Browns in the late 1980s. Nothing about Harvey stood out in 2019, so this is his chance. Here is a complete guess, outside of Mack Wilson, of how the current roster will end up.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'overtimeheroics_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',156,'0','0'])); The Browns drafted Mack Wilson in the fifth round of the 2019 draft after a stellar career at Alabama. By winning that title, he achieved a rare feat: winning a state championship (Massillon Washington High School, '53), a college national championship (Ohio State, '57) and a professional championship in the same state. While a good looking season statistically, Goodson graded out as just another guy. IMO, TakiTaki seems to me to be a SAM more than a WILL in the NFL, Phillips vs TakiTaki competition should be interesting. Meanwhile, players like Willie Harvey, an undrafted rookie last year, and Jermaine Grace, have no intention of just letting Wilson win that job. I had to get to where I could tolerate it, and go from there.”. Montrel Meander and Willie Harvey are both former undrafted free agents the Browns picked up. He totaled 92 tackles in 13 games. A look at how to view the Sunday NFL matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Should The Browns Bench QB Baker Mayfield? In the event the Browns need to bring a third linebacker onto to the field to play the strong side, it might be as simple as having whoever finished second in the battle for the weak side job move over there. On most teams, he would be in a dogfight with more seasoned or talented players. He rebounded with 176 and 181 tackles in 1992 and '93, respectively. Andrew Berry drafted Phillips in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft.