Position Breakdown: Linebacker

Current Roster Makeup:

Barton, Eric LB 6-2 245, Benard, Marcus LB 6-2 256, Bowens, David LB 6-3 265, Brown, Titus LB 6-3 250, Costanzo, Blake LB 6-2 235, Hall, Alex LB 6-5 250, Jackson, D'Qwell LB 6-0 240, Maiava, Kaluka LB 6-0 229, Roth, Matt LB 6-4 275, Trusnik, Jason LB 6-4 250, Veikune, David LB 6-2 257, Wimbley, Kamerion LB 6-3 255
Breakdown:

Much like the d-line, the linebackers for the 2009 Cleveland Browns had an up and down year. Injuries hit this unit hard, with both starting inside linebackers going on the IR by the midway point. Losing D'Qwell Jaskson was a major loss for the defense. Jackson has been the leading tacker and the most consistent defender over the last few years. The loss of Baron was not as significant. While Barton was one of Mangini's guys coming over from the Jets, his impact was not felt on the field. He looks slow, and frankly did not look like much of an upgrade over Andra Davis, who went to Denver in free agency. With the ILB position up in the air, David Bowens moved from his OLB spot and played ILB. He played better than expected and showed a strong inside passrush, brought some physicality to the interior run defense and looked decent in pass drops. Having Bowens step in provided a boost to the LB corps through his play and his leadership. Joining Bowns on the inside was recent addition Jason Trusnik. Trusnik came to the Browns in the Braylon Edwards trade. The line on Trusnik coming out of New York was that we were getting a great special teams player. However as his playing time increased either at OLB or ILB, the former Nordonia and Ohio Northern standout made more and more plays. Much like Bowens Trusnik brings a hard nosed disciplined attitude to the interior of the defense. His work ethic and toughness impressed me this season. Also getting some reps at ILB was Kaluka "The Kaluka Bean" Maiava. The 4th USC linebacker taken in last years draft looked lost at time. However, I love watching him play even though its mostly to yell Kaluka Bean (like Kramer says "Coco Bean" in the Secret Code episode of Seinfeld). I'm looking forward to the Bean getting into his second year and producing. Another rookie who was lost in the shuffle is David Veikune from Hawaii. Veikune spent his first season learing the ropes at ILB after being a DE in college. This is a huge transition and the coaching staff believes that he has a high ceiling at ILB. Look for his development in 2010.

The Outside linebackers had a better 2009 than the year before. Kammeron Wimbley looked more like he did during his breakout rookie year, and Rob Ryan's blitzing scheme and Wimbley's placement all over the field seemed to awaken him. Aside from his team leading 6.5 sacks, Wimbley looked better in run support and in his pass drops (speaking of pass drops, remember Braylon Edwards?) David Bowens started the year at the other OLB spot, but moved inside when Barton was injured. He played decently at OLB but his presence inside was much more significant. Trusnik also played at OLB before primarily moving inside after the injury to Jackson, although he did continue to play outside at times. Matt Roth, played 6 games for the Browns after being claimed off waivers from the Dolphins was probably Mangini's most impressive roster transaction. In 6 games Roth had 4 sacks and played well against the run. Roth, like Trusnik is a hard-nosed, tough football player. Finally we were introduced to Marcus Benard, a rookie who spend much of the season on the practice squad had a great end of the season, registering 3.5 sacks in 5 games. The play of the LB's was a huge factor in the Browns recording 40 sacks in 2009.

Looking Forward:

The Browns appear to have some young talent in the LB corps, but lack big time playmakers. Hopefully the development of the younger guys continues. Expect a bigger year from Kammeron Wimbley, especially if the Browns can get a passrusher on the other side. (See draft section below for an ideal candidate). The Browns will look to upgrade talent across the board at the LB position.

Free Agency:

The only OLB which looks like a potential upgrade would be Karlos Dansby from the Cardinals. There was talk about him a few years ago, and he would be a good fit across from Wimbley. Overall I am indifferent about bringing in a OLB via free agency. At ILB, Larry Foote could probably help the team, but do not expect the Browns to make a serious run at this UFA.

Draft:

The draft is where the browns will look to address the LB unit. The draft is deep and talented, with the most notable being Rolando McClain from Alabama. He is an absolute force and would be a huge upgrade at ILB. His physical presence and mean streak would be a welcome sight for fans who have seen too much of it in Ray Lewis and across the board in Pittsburgh. Tomorrow you'll get my argument for another pick at number at #7, but McClain would be a fantastic choice. Another ILB who would look in a slightly different shade of orange than he is accustom to is Brandon Spikes (Florida), who's sped and big play ability would be a nice addition to the Browns D. While projecting OLB's in a 3-4 is never a sure thing, take a look at Brandon Graham (Michigan) in round 2. He did every bit as much as LaMarr Woodley at Michigan. He does not have ideal height, but is a great passrusher and is stout against the run. Greg Hardy from Mississippi is another player to watch for.