The Opening Drive 3/25: Which Linebacker Draft Prospects Fit With The Browns
We examine the Browns process at linebacker, if they need to add to the room, and who fits.
The Browns rarely invest heavily at linebacker. They made exceptions for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, picked 51st in 2021, and with the high second-rounder used to acquire Carson Schwesinger last offseason.
This front office leans on coaching, development, and fit. More often than not, they’ve been able to build a functional linebacker room without committing major cap space or premium draft capital.
That approach has worked, but this offseason presents a slightly different challenge as Mohamoud Diabate is leaving in free agency to sign with the Titans. The Browns elected not to exercise the right of first refusal tender on Diabate, likely because it would require paying a salary of over $3 million. A price the Browns were not comfortable paying him, considering his role. They likely had designs to bring him back on a lesser deal as they did with Sam Kamara, but Diabate elected to sign with the Titans.
It’s not difficult to see how a picture of more playing time from another team, in this case, the Titans, would be enticing to Diabate. He spent much of the 2025 preseason banged up, and Devin Bush won the starting job next to Schwesinger and performed at an elite level. While the Browns let Bush walk in free agency, they had an ideal backup plan at the ready, signing Quincy Williams, a player who fits the role Bush vacated nicely and who has a meaningful relationship with new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenburg.
With Mohamoud Diabate no longer in the picture, the Browns lose more than just a rotational player. They lose speed, system familiarity, and a piece who could step in for meaningful snaps without disrupting the defense’s structure.
As things stand, the room is centered around Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams. Behind them are Winston Reid, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Nathaniel Watson, and Edefuan Ulofoshio. There’s competition, but there isn’t much proven reliability.
The Browns don’t need to overhaul the position, and they don’t need to spend aggressively in free agency. But they cannot go into the season without adding at least one linebacker capable of handling real defensive snaps if needed.
The question is how they get there.
The Browns have a strong track record of identifying linebacker talent through the undrafted free agent market. It’s been a consistent pipeline for adding special teams contributors and developing rotational players. Expect them to continue working that avenue, bringing in one or two players to compete for a potential roster spot. The Browns’ ability to present UDFA’s with a reasonable path onto the field by not bogging down the room with veterans has proven a worthy practice. They have taken a similar approach with the safety room, also finding UDFA contributors there.
However, counting solely on that approach this year would be risky.
Having Jason Tarver in charge of the linebacker room gives the Browns a distinct advantage. Few position coaches consistently get more out of their players, and Tarver has shown an ability to develop and get strong performances from players of lesser profile. It has allowed the organization to avoid overspending at the position and to use that money elsewhere.
Still, leaning on Tarver and their ability to get solid play from UDFA can’t be the entire plan.
The Browns must continue cycling through depth with players who fit what they want defensively, athletes who play downhill, react quickly, and operate comfortably within the system. That becomes especially important when you look at how little proven depth exists behind Schwesinger and Williams.
If one of those two misses time, the Browns likely need at least one linebacker who could step into meaningful snaps if called upon. A veteran, or even a player they like, at some point in the draft would go a long way toward strengthening the room. Using a draft selection on day two or three to bolster the room’s depth this year and at the same time providing a potential long-term answer makes a lot of sense.
Trust Tarver. Trust the development process. But make sure the room is stocked with the right types of young players. They may find another UDFA contributor similar to Diabate in Mascaranes-Arnold, and they will continue to churn the bottom of the roster with priority UDFA’s, but it would behoove them to make another reasonable investment in the room. The presence of Williams would allow the right player to develop under his veteran leadership and, hopefully, be ready to step into a starting role next to Schwesinger in a year or two.
As currently constructed, though, the Browns could even add two players to the room, but they certainly need one. Adding a linebacker makes sense, not as a headline move, but a forward-thinking one that solves an immediate issue with one eye on the future. The Browns should target athletes who fit the defense’s identity, players who trigger downhill, close-space quickly, and bring value as blitzers and pursuit defenders. This isn’t about finding a traditional, read-and-react linebacker. It’s about adding speed and playmaking ability to the second level.
There are options throughout Day 2 and Day 3 that fit that mold, giving the Browns a chance to add a contributor without overextending resources.
The goal isn’t to find a centerpiece. It’s to add a player who can contribute early while providing long-term upside.
If the Browns stick to their typical approach, the way forward could see a player like Eatson-Mascaranas carve out a depth role in the same manner that Diabate did, but it’s not something they can count on.
Let internal options compete. Add one linebacker through the draft who fits the system. Then prioritize signing undrafted free agents to round out the room and push for immediate competition. Ensure by training camp that the linebacker group can withstand potential injuries or underperformance.
It’s a narrow path, but it’s one the Browns have navigated before.
To this point, the Browns haven’t shown that they will address the room with a veteran free agent like they did with Jerome Baker last year. Although it’s certainly still on the table.
Even if linebacker isn’t a position they prioritize financially, the defense still needs enough speed, discipline, and depth at the second level to function at a high level.
Right now, the starters in the linebacker corps are defined and strong, but they may still be one or two players away from a room that feels complete.
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The Best Fits For Browns In 2026 Linebacker Draft Class
** = Favorite Fits For Browns
Scouting Report Write Ups from NFL DraftBuzz and PFF
C.J. Allen
Age: 21 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 235 lbs | School: Georgia
“Allen plays with a controlled, disciplined style that translates well to a structured NFL defense. He shows strong awareness against the run and rarely finds himself out of position, making him a reliable early-down defender. While he isn’t an elite athlete, his instincts and physicality allow him to finish plays consistently. He projects as a steady contributor with starting upside in the right system.”
Projected Draft Range: Late 1st - 2nd
RAS Score: No RAS (Did not fully test at Combine – projection ~8.0 range based on profile)
**Anthony Hill Jr.
Age: 21.1 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 238 lbs | School: Texas
“Hill is one of the most complete multi-role linebackers in this class, combining high-end athleticism with a physical, downhill play style. He shows excellent trigger speed against the run and has the range to operate sideline-to-sideline, while also offering real value as a blitzer with his burst and closing ability. His testing numbers confirm what shows up on tape: an explosive and fluid player capable of handling coverage responsibilities against modern offenses. With his age, athletic ceiling, and versatility, Hill projects as a high-impact three-down linebacker early in his career. It is unlikely the Browns are willing to make this much of an investment at the position after just doing so last year. He is an ideal fit, though.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 1–2 (Late Round 1 / Early Day 2)
RAS Score: 9.8 (Elite athlete with top-tier speed, explosion, and size combination)
Josiah Trotter
Age: 20.9 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 237 lbs | School: Missouri
“Trotter is a classic box linebacker with a physical, downhill mentality and a strong tackling presence between the tackles. He plays with good instincts and a natural feel for run fits, consistently triggering quickly and finishing with power. His testing profile shows solid straight-line speed paired with excellent strength (27 bench reps), reinforcing his ability to handle interior traffic and shed blocks. While he may not offer elite range in space, his toughness, football IQ, and reliability project him as an early-down contributor with developmental three-down upside.”
Projected Draft Range: Day Two
RAS Score: No RAS ~8.4–8.8 (Strong strength + solid size/speed combo, average change-of-direction profile)
Jake Golday
Age: 22.8 | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 239 lbs | School: Cincinnati
“Golday brings a unique build and athletic profile that hints at positional versatility at the next level. He moves well for his size and can be used as both an off-ball linebacker and a situational pass rusher. His background shows up in the way he attacks downhill with urgency and physicality. Development in coverage will be key, but the tools are worth betting on.”
Projected Draft Range: Day Two
RAS Score: 9.84 (Strong combine testing across board)
**Jacob Rodriguez
Age: 23 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 231 lbs | School: Texas Tech
“Rodriguez is a true multi-role linebacker whose game is built on explosiveness and short-area quickness. He shows a strong burst when triggering downhill and has the athletic profile to hold up in coverage, particularly against backs and tight ends. His testing numbers back up the tape, with above-average agility and top-tier explosion translating to playmaking ability in space. He still needs to continue refining block deconstruction and consistency, but the traits give him clear upside as a modern three-down contributor. How long he lasts on the board, will likely dictate if he is a real option for the Browns.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 3–4
RAS Score: 9.6 (Elite explosion + agility profile with strong speed metrics)
Kyle Louis
Age: 22 | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 220 lbs | School: Pittsburgh
“Louis is a fast-flowing linebacker who thrives when he can play freely and chase the football. His range stands out on tape, particularly when working sideline to sideline in pursuit situations. He’s more of a finesse athlete than a thumper, which can show up against bigger offensive linemen. Still, his speed and effort give him a path to carve out a role in sub-packages.”
Projected Draft Range: Late Day Two
RAS Score: 9.09 (Elite agility + explosion numbers)
Deontae Lawson
Age: 23 | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 226 lbs | School: Alabama
“Lawson is a true box linebacker who wins with instincts, physicality, and command of the defense. As Alabama’s signal-caller, he consistently showed strong play recognition and the ability to trigger downhill with authority, making him a reliable presence against the run. His testing profile reflects a solid, well-rounded athlete with enough speed (4.60) to function in space, though his game is built more on processing and positioning than elite burst. Lawson projects as a dependable three-down defender whose leadership and consistency raise the floor of a linebacker room.”
Projected Draft Range: Day Two
RAS Score: No RAS ~8.3–8.7 (Good overall athlete; strong size + speed combo, average explosion metrics)
Taurean York
Age: 20.7 | Height: 5’11” | Weight: 226 lbs | School: Texas A&M
“York is a highly instinctive, multi-role linebacker who wins with processing speed, toughness, and play recognition rather than ideal size. He consistently diagnoses plays quickly and triggers downhill, allowing him to beat blockers to the spot despite a smaller frame. His testing profile shows solid straight-line speed, but limited agility numbers and size constraints can show up when navigating traffic or matching bigger bodies. York projects as a high-motor, high-IQ defender who can carve out a role in sub-packages and special teams while offering depth at multiple spots.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 4-5
RAS Score: No RAS ~6.8–7.3 (Good speed and strength, but size and agility limitations cap overall profile)
**Harold Perkins Jr.
Age: 23.6 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 223 lbs | School: LSU
“Perkins is one of the most explosive athletes in this group, offering immediate impact ability as a blitzer and space defender. His burst off the edge and ability to close quickly make him a disruptive presence behind the line of scrimmage. He’s still refining his instincts as a full-time linebacker, particularly in run fits. If developed properly, he can become a dynamic, multi-role defender. This is about the range in this draft where the Browns could start to consider using a pick at the position.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 3–4
RAS Score: N/A (Did not test fully – expected high 9+ based on traits)
**Kaleb Elarms-Orr
Age: 22.6 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 234 lbs | School: TCU
“Elarms-Orr plays with a physical, downhill mentality that fits well in aggressive defensive fronts. He attacks gaps quickly and shows a willingness to take on contact. His game is built more on effort and toughness than elite athletic traits. That profile gives him value as a depth piece who can contribute on early downs and special teams.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 5-6
RAS Score: 9.62 (4.47 speed + explosion profile)
Jack Kelly
Age: 23 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 240 lbs | School: BYU
“Kelly is a power-based linebacker with pass-rush upside that separates him from others in this tier. He shows the ability to generate pressure when used creatively and plays with a strong, physical presence. His versatility allows him to fit multiple roles depending on the scheme. He projects as a developmental defender with situational value early in his career.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 5–7
RAS Score: 9.70 (Well-rounded testing numbers)
**Justin Jefferson
Age: 22 | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 223 lbs | School: Alabama
“Jefferson is an explosive box linebacker who plays with speed, urgency, and physicality when attacking downhill. His testing profile stands out with strong burst and lower-body explosion, which translate into his ability to close quickly and deliver impact as a tackler. While slightly undersized for a traditional stack linebacker, he compensates with quick trigger ability and range to operate in space. Jefferson projects as a high-energy rotational defender with upside in sub-packages and special teams early in his career. The Browns have not been scared off by smaller linebackers if they have the right kind of aggressive instincts.”
Projected Draft Range: Round 5-7
RAS Score: 8.65 (Elite explosion metrics paired with strong speed; size slightly lowers overall ceiling)
Eric Gentry
Age: 22.1 | Height: 6’7” | Weight: 221 lbs | School: USC
“A 6’7” linebacker!!! Gentry’s length is his defining trait, giving him a massive tackle radius and disruption ability in passing lanes. He moves fluidly for a taller linebacker and can match up with tight ends or backs in coverage. His lean frame can be an issue when taking on blocks in the run game. He profiles best as a coverage-oriented linebacker with developmental upside.”
Projected Draft Range: Day Three - UDFA
RAS Score: 7.64
Xavian Sorey Jr.
Age: 23 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 228 lbs | School: Arkansas
“Sorey brings a strong combination of size and athleticism that flashes when he’s attacking downhill. He shows good closing speed and the ability to finish tackles with authority. Consistency and processing speed can fluctuate, which limits his snap-to-snap reliability. With refinement, he has the traits to develop into a rotational defender.”
Projected Draft Range: Day Three - UDFA
RAS Score: 7.33
Namdi Obiazor
Age: 22 | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 229 lbs | School: TCU
“Obiazor brings a balanced skill set with enough size and athleticism to contribute in multiple phases. He plays with good effort and flashes the ability to close quickly on ball carriers. While not dominant in any one area, he avoids major weaknesses in his game. That versatility makes him a solid depth option with room to grow.”
Projected Draft Range: Day 3 - UDFA
RAS Score: 9.21
Jackson Kuwatch
Age: 23 | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 232 lbs | School: Miami (OH)
“Kuwatch has an ideal frame for the position and shows flashes of physicality when working downhill. He can cover ground effectively and has the length to impact throwing lanes. Consistency and overall play recognition remain areas for improvement. He profiles as a developmental prospect with special teams value early.”
Projected Draft Range: UDFA
RAS Score: 8.83
Wesley Bissainthe
Age: 21.1 | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 225 lbs | School: Miami (FL)
“Bissainthe is an undersized but quick defender who thrives in space and pursuit situations. His speed allows him to chase plays down from the backside and contribute in coverage. Size limitations show up when dealing with physical blockers in the box. He projects as a sub-package linebacker with special teams value.”
Projected Draft Range: UDFA
RAS Score: No RAS (Incomplete testing profile)
Wade Woodaz
Age: 22.1 | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 236 lbs | School: Clemson
“Woodaz plays with a well-rounded skill set and solid instincts in both run and pass defense. He processes quickly and reacts without hesitation. While not overly flashy, he consistently does his job within the structure of the defense. He projects as a dependable rotational linebacker.”
Projected Draft Range: UDFA
RAS Score: 8.6 (Solid across categories)
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