2009 Training Camp Preview: Linebackers

By Aaron Ziraks
NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer

Last season, the Browns ranked 26th in total defense and 28th in rushing defense. Why were they ranked so low? A big reason why was the inability of the linebackers to make plays. Whether it is rushing the quarterback or stuffing the run behind the line of scrimmage, those plays were not being made.

D'Qwell Jackson was a bright spot for the Browns, leading the team and league in tackles in 2008. Although that is a great accomplishment, the reality is that a majority of those tackles were made five yards down field. If this defense is going to make an impact Jackson and company have to start attacking rather than waiting for the opposition to come to them.

Name/Position (NFL Experience)

Eric Barton/ILB (11 yrs.)
Beau Bell/ILB (2 yrs.)
Marcus Bernard/LB (rookie)
David Bowens/OLB (10 yrs.)
Titus Brown/LB (rookie)
Blake Costanzo/LB (2 yrs.)
Jonathan Foster/LB (rookie)
David Holloway/LB (3 yrs.)
Phillip Hunt/LB (rookie)
D'Qwell Jackson/ILB (4 yrs.)
Kaluka Maiava/OLB (rookie)
Bo Ruud/LB (2 yrs.)
David Veikune/OLB (rookie)
Leon Williams/ILB (4 yrs.)
Kamerion Wimbley/OLB (4 yrs.)

Projected Starters

OLB - Kamerion Wimbley
ILB - D'Qwell Jackson
ILB - Eric Barton
OLB - David Bowens

Projected Reserves

Leon Williams
Kaluka Maiava
David Veikune
Alex Hall

Training Camp Battles

Most eyes will be on the vacant outside linebacker spot left by Willie McGinest. It is David Bowens spot to lose based on his experience with Mangini, but if Alex Hall or one of the rookie comes on strong they could very well cut into the number of snaps that Bowens gets and possibly take the spot opposite of Kamerion Wimbley.

Although this isn't a battle against players, Beau Bell will have to battle his tendency to get injured if he wants to make the team. If he cannot stay healthy during camp he may be designated to the practice squad and/or eventually cut.

The Browns kept nine linebackers last year and will probably do the same this year. I have tagged eight that I believe will make the team. If Bell can stay healthy he may have the inside track to the ninth spot, but that is no guarantee if one of the UFA impresses.

What To Watch For

Can Mangini and Rob Ryan develop this into an attacking defense rather than the bend, but don't break philosophy that RAC employed. With only 17 sacks last year the Browns need to get production out of Wimbley and whomever is rushing from the other side (i.e. Bowens, Hall). Along the same lines, they have to start making plays in the backfield, not five yards down field. By running the 3-4 defense, it is the linebackers' responsibility to make those plays. It is unfortunate that Cleveland does not have a true strong side linebacker to pair with Jackson, but hopefully Barton will step up and make plays.

Also, watch Maiava and Veikune to see if those projects have any chance of turning into gems. However, I won't be holding my breath. I hope that I am wrong.

Expectations For 2009

Cautiously optimistic. Ryan has said recently that he thinks he can show Wimbley how to be a better pass rusher, so I expect him to be a little better this year and mix in something other than a speed rush. Whether it is Bowen or Hall, the other outside linebacker spot will be better than what McGinest gave us last year. With another year under his belt, Jackson should be better and more mature. If he can make some impact plays along with another 150 tackles, Jackson could be going to Hawaii after the season.

  July 13, 2009 at 1:34 PM

Comments

Again, thanks for the article. Fun to read.

Seems we are in agreement with the LBs. (See my DB and DL comments.)

Here's my shot at the LBs depth chart. (Sorry about the lack of tabs.)

My Rank-#-Player-Position-Years Experence-Comment-How Acquired
1 52 Jackson, D'Qwell ILB 3 Led the AFC in tackles in 08. Wish more tackles were in the back field Draft R-2 06
2 50 Barton, Eric ILB 11 Started all 16 last year with Jets FA NYJ 09
3 95 Wimbley, Kamerion OLB 3 Not sure which direction his career is going Draft R-1 06
4 96 Bowens, David OLB 10 Started 5 games last year, ST player FA NYJ 09
5 57 Veikune, David OLB R-2c Is he fast or strong enough to start in NFL? Draft R-2c 09
6 56 Maiava, Kaluka ILB R-4 The 4th LB at USC, hidding in the wings? Draft R-4 09
7 51 Hall, Alex OLB 2 Is he a flash in the pan or does he start in 09? Draft R-7 08
8 94 Williams, Leon ILB 3 08 was a lost season for him, is he an OLB instead of an ILB? Draft R-4 06
9 58 Bell, Beau ILB 2 Didn’t play enough in 08, hurt most of the year Draft R-4a 08
10 44 Costanzo, Blake LB 3 Led Buf in ST tackles in 08 Wa Buf NYJ 09
11 59 Brown, Titus LB 1 Was on the Practice Squad in 08 Undraft 08 Mia
12 54 Holloway, David LB 1 Was on the Practice Squad in 08 Undraft 07 Arz
13 49 Benard, Marcus LB R Long shot to make the team. Undraft 09
14 48 Foster, Jonathan LB R Long shot to make the team. Undraft 09
15 53 Hunt, Phillip LB R Long shot to make the team. Undraft 09
16 43 Ruud, Bo LB 1 Long shot to make the team. Wa NE 09

  July 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM by WHOletTheDAWGZout

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