Training camp is finally right around the corner.
In just over one week, the Browns will be back in Cleveland to begin preparations for 2022. We're preparing for their return with a comprehensive breakdown of each position on the roster, moving next to a group that holds the leading tackler from a year ago and a few promising young players looking to increase their roles in the defense.
The Linebackers
What we know: This position group is led by the top two leading tacklers last season: Walker and Owusu-Koramoah. After totaling 113 tackles in his first year in Cleveland, Walker was re-signed this offseason because of his experience and role as a trusted leader in the locker room. Owusu-Koramoah, a 2021 second-round pick who many believed had first-round talents, was excellent in the 14 games he played with 76 tackles and will likely carry a bigger role on the defense this year — his speed and quick instincts are exactly what defensive coordinator Joe Woods covets at the position. The Browns are still confident that 2020 third-round pick Jacob Phillips can land a big role in the group after he was limited to four games last year due to a biceps injury.
What we don't know: What kind of leap can "JOK" take this year? He has the potential to become one of the league's most dependable linebackers if he increases his production from a year ago and settles nicely into an every-down role. The same can be asked for Phillips — who took first team reps at MIKE linebacker at points during the spring — and Fields, a 2021 fifth-round pick who dealt with injuries throughout his first NFL offseason and played on special teams as a rookie.
The X-Factor: Phillips. The Browns know what they can get from Walker and feel confident about Owusu-Koramoah taking a big step this year. If Phillips can also rebound from his shortened second year in the league, he'd give the Browns another strong, speedy option they can use in multiple linebacker positions.
The biggest number: 89.8. That was the grade Owusu-Koramoah was given by Pro Football Focus last year, which was the highest among all rookies. There's no doubt he has star potential and, after playing in only 65 percent of the defense's snaps last year, will likely have a bigger platform to show it this season.
Says it all: "I think he has had a good offseason. He is working very hard as he does. Like any sophomore, there is hopefully a step that just comes from a greater understanding of what we are doing schematically, greater use of technique and those type of things. He is working hard." - Head Coach Kevin Stefanski on Owusu-Koramoah
How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster last year?: 7
Check out photos of 2021 second-round pick LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns on December 12, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-22.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on September 26, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 26-6.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns lost 14-16.
This is a 2021 photo of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah of the Cleveland Browns NFL football team. This image reflects the Cleveland Browns active roster as of May 13, 2021 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on January 9, 2022 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on January 9, 2022 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns on December 12, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-22.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns on November 21, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 13-10.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns on October 17, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns lost 14 - 37.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns on December 12, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-22.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) and Olympic gold medal-winning pole vaulter Katie Nageotte during practice on September 24, 2021.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football on November 28, 2021 at M&T Bank Stadium. The Browns lost 10-16.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on September 26, 2021 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 26-6.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (20) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Browns lost 29-33.
