Cleveland Browns' Linebackers Could Surprise

Most people don't think of Cleveland's defense to have any ferocity to it, and that has been the case for a long time.

However, things are starting to turn around, beginning with the linebackers.

On the inside, D'Qwell Jackson has become one of the league's young, premier middle linebackers, leading all of football in tackles with 154.  He beat out second place Patrick Willis by a whole 13 tackles.  He is truly one of the best in the league.

Also on the inside is Eric Barton.  With 119 tackles last year, he showed he can still bring it and will be a very good run stopper.  An 11-year veteran of the NFL, he will bring leadership to the club, and will help the other linebackers grow and develop.

On the outside, Rob Ryan has worked on Kamerion Wimbley a lot this year, to help him make the strides he has lacked in his career.  He had 11 sacks his rookie year but has failed to combine for 11 sacks in the two years following.  The talent and athleticism is there for a big season from him.

On the other outside linebacker spot, Alex Hall and David Veikune look to share time.

Alex Hall is a very strong and athletic linebacker with the size to play defensive end, if needed.  He is a raw talent that could explode this year and become a very good pass rusher to complement Wimbley, something the Browns have lacked for a good long time.

Veikune is a rookie, and will need some more experience before playing more, but when he gets enough experience, he could push Hall to end.  He isn't very tall for an outside linebacker, but he is strong and fast; a project.  He could end up playing a little inside linebacker too.

The inside linebacker backups include Leon Williams, Bo Ruud, and Beau Bell, three young linebackers that will benefit from Eric Barton's leadership.

Backing up on the outside is a little thinner; Veikune and David Bowens being the primary backups.

If the Browns are going to turn their defense around, the linebackers will be the starting point.  I am very excited about their athleticism and youth they bring to the 3-4 defense of Cleveland's.