Cleveland Browns Hoping They Finally Have Proper Linebackers for 3-4

Since 2005, the Cleveland Browns have been in search for the appropriate personnel for their 3-4 defensive alignment.

The Romeo Crennel/Phil Savage regime went through players such as Kenard Lang, Ben Taylor, Chaun Thompson, Andra Davis, Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek.

They drafted Kamerion Wimbley and D'Qwell Jackson in 2006. Wimbley was a defensive end at Florida State whom they converted to outside linebacker.

Four years and one regime later, only Wimbley and Jackson remain. Jackson proved last year that he could excel in the system, while this could be a make-or-break year for Wimbley.

Jackson, however, may be a bit undersized at 6-0-foot and 240 pounds, but head coach Eric Mangini seems to like Jackson’s aggressiveness and involvement during plays.

Mangini and general manager George Kokinis then drafted defensive end David Veikune out of Hawaii and were reportedly impressed by his “motor and ability to get to the quarterback.”

They also signed a couple of Mangini’s former New York Jets in Eric Barton and David Bowens.

Last season, Barton led the Jets in tackles with 119.

Bowens was brought to Cleveland to help guide the younger linebackers such as second-year player Alex Hall and Veikune. He is a guy who knows Mangini’s defensive system and what the coach expects out of his players.

Jackson and Barton appear to be locks to start inside, with Wimbley manning one outside linebacker spot.

The final outside linebacker spot could be a 3-man race between Bowens, Hall and Veikune. Veikune is a rookie who will be adjusting to life in the NFL while Hall could be the one who could surprise. He showed his ability to get to the quarterback last year in limited playing time, but was never given a fair opportunity to show what he could do on running plays. If he shows he can defend the run during preseason, he could claim the opposite linebacker spot.

Going into training camp in about two and a half weeks, the starters appear to be Wimbley, Jackson, Barton and Bowens.

However, come opening day on September 13, that lineup may have an adjustment or two, and would prove that competition does indeed bring the best out of everyone.