Written by Dave Kolonich

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There are a few different ways to view the Browns’ current collection of linebacking prospects. 

1.  For those needing instant satisfaction from a position that has continued to disappoint over the past decade, progress can be easily found by the vast upgrades made at linebacker during the offseason.

2.  Of course, those of a more rational mind could point to some ten eventual Browns linebackers as a wealth of quality depth. 

3.  And people like me, who can sometimes prove to be equal parts rationalist and cynic, would claim that having a lot of options sometimes means you have no options.

Much like the current collection of somewhat undefined linebacking talent, the Browns have a few basic questions heading into 2010 and a wide array of answers.

So many in fact that I decided to split up the Linebacker preview into two parts.  You must understand – basic math challenges me. 

Having said all that, let’s take a look at the candidates for the inside linebacker spots first. 

Which means that given the current defensive philosophy in Berea, roughly all ten linebackers will be mentioned.

And I’m just too smart for my own good.

 

 

D’Qwell Jackson

In many ways, Jackson has had the highest profile offseason of any Browns player on the current roster – at least excluding the ones who have been arrested at the airport. 

Because of his continuing disappointment with his current restricted free agent status, Jackson has not been present during the team’s offseason activities – a rare idea considering the veteran’s former standing as leader of the defense. 

In Jackson’s defense, he was simply another victim stuck in the wheels of the league’s looming labor impasse, as he basically was stripped of any financial freedom.  As of last month, Jackson had signed his restricted tender; however, whether he reports to training camp on time is a very different narrative. 

Obviously, Jackson wants to receive a long-term deal in Cleveland – which reportedly was “promised” to him last season by then-czar Eric Mangini.  However, the NFL and promises being what they are, the likelihood of such an event occuring in 2010 seems fairly remote.

As for Jackson’s value to the franchise’s immediate plans, the situation becomes even more clouded.

Because Jackson has not played multiple linebacking positions, it appears that perhaps the team’s best player among the unit is also its least versatile.

And so it goes in Cleveland.

However, the one position that Jackson does play - he plays fairly well.  For the most part, Jackson is active, has some decent mobility and usually makes tackles.  Of course, the problem with Jackson is that he is not a prototypical physical linebacker. 

Also not helping his situation is the fact that Jackson has played behind some terrible defensive lines during his three and a half seasons in Cleveland. 

From a statistic perspective, the lack of solid run stoppers in front of Jackson has helped to pad his tackle totals.  Also, the idea that he has mainly played alongside the ultra-ineffective Andra Davis may have contributed to Jackson’s rise in value – at least entering last season.

When trying to accurately place a value on Jackson’s contributions to the team, all of above have to be factored in, along with the idea that a 32-year old David Bowens may have far exceeded the team’s expectations for an inside linebacker.

Considering all of this, the main question pertaining to Jackson is whether he was the best linebacker on some bad teams, or a talent who made the team better.

For Jackson’s sake, let’s hope he arrives to training camp in time to answer this question.

David Bowens

Again, since Mangini and Rob Ryan covet versatility in their linebackers, the inclusion of Bowens on this list may prove meaningless when the season actually begins.  After all, Jackson’s injury eventually led to Bowens being slotted inside during the second half of 2009.

However, what Bowens did inside was nothing short of solid.  Because of his size and surprising range, Bowens helped to solidify the team’s lackluster run defense and add some much needed flexibility to the team’s pass rush schemes. 

In many ways, Bowens was clearly the team’s defensive MVP in 2009 – thanks to his versatility.  Bowens was effective at three different linebacking spots in 2009.  It’s not much of an assumption to think that Bowens will continue to be moved around the unit in 2010.

Of course, versatility being equal parts dynamic and vague, it’s worth noting that Bowens’ best position is probably at inside linebacker.  Because he is big enough to take on opposing blockers, Bowens’ presence allows his linebacking partners the freedom to attack opposing ballcarriers.

Or in other words, in an ideal football universe, a Jackson/Bowens combination could prove very intriguing.

Kaluka Maiava

If Bowens was the team’s defensive MVP last season, then Maiava was easily the team’s defensive rookie of the year.  While not exactly the greatest accomplishment considering his competition, it’s something.  Maiava quietly filled in for both the injured Jackson and Eric Barton during the second half of 2009 and showed some skill. 

Although a bit undersized – much like Jackson – Maiava showed some intriguing instincts for the ball and was a better than average tackler.  Perhaps with some offseason time in the weight room and some luck with a potential Jackson holdout, Maiava could prove to be the steal of Mangini’s first Cleveland draft.

David Veikune

Speaking of that first Mangini draft, Veikune was easily the team’s biggest rookie disappointment not named Brian Robiskie.  Trying to transition from college defensive end to outside linebacker seemed to be a lost cause for Veikune in 2009.  Veikune barely saw the field in 2009, playing sparingly on special teams. 

However, entering 2010, Veikune’s NFL fortunes appear to be found at inside linebacker.  In one of the more rational decisions of the offseason, the Browns’ coaching staff is preparing Veikune for an inside linebacker role, one that may suit his skills much better – at least compared to an outside spot.

At least from his college days and based on his limited NFL exposure, Veikune could prove to be the second coming of Bowens in time.  Featuring a similar body, Veikune could develop into the classic “thumper” inside linebacker that the team has lacked since transitioning into a 3-4 defense. 

Jason Trusnik

If Bowens and Maiava get awards, then I feel that Trusnik should be included, as well.  Kind of like not keeping score in a kids’ soccer match or taking a long winter nap, Trusnik wins the Cleveland Reboot Award for Most Irritating Player to Watch Who Was Not Named Brandon McDonald.

While Trusnik is solid on special teams and can serve as a decent run-stopper – at least in closely defined spaces – watching him try to keep up with tight ends, running backs and the occasional lead-footed fullback caused my blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels in 2009.

In other words – if you like your linebackers to be big and slow, Trusnik is your guy.

Or, if you like your special teamers to play linebacker, then you win again.

Blake Costanzo

Speaking of which, Costanzo makes the team based on his special teams play alone.  With all the above names playing ahead of him, it’s doubtful Costanzo gets a shot within the defense. 

However, unlike Trusnik, this is probably a good thing.

In other words – special teamers can indeed be special – just not usually on defense.

Eric Barton

Recent reports from inside the Browns’ locker room have suggested that the entitled status that Mangini’s ex-Jets enjoyed in 2009 may soon be coming to an end in 2010. 

As this relates to the Browns’ inside linebacking corps, all I can say is this:  it was nice knowing you, Eric.

Because of the team’s added depth inside and frankly, because of the limitations of a 53-man roster in general, it’s hard to imagine Barton making the final roster. 

Based on his 2009 play, it’s apparent that Barton is still a great worker, but his NFL body has simply expired.  Once a sometimes-terrific run-stopping linebacker, Barton just doesn’t have the type of explosion necessary to warrant another NFL starting job.

Ideally

Like the defensive linemen before them, there is something to be said for the concept of strength in numbers.  Of course, an ideal vision of the Browns’ linebacking unit will see some of these numbers become individual contributors.

Ideally, Jackson reports to camp on time and assumes a starting role next to Bowens.  This duo proves effective against the run and Jackson eventually shows the type of production that could actually warrant a long-term contract.  Maiava eventually takes more snaps away from Bowens, while Veikune actually gets on the field in a complete reversal from 2009.  Trusnik and Costanzo again captain the special team’s coverage units, while Barton is honored with a gold watch.

But Really

Jackson’s contract impasse could linger into the regular season, while Bowens is exposed as a 33-year old linebacker.  Based on prior experience, the ghost of Barton rattles his chains next to Trusnik inside, while a fullback with Hank Fraley’s speed torches the Browns on a series of 80-yard screen passes. 

The Pick

There is some definite uncertainity found at inside linebacker.  The idealist in me could envision an above average pairing of two of the above players – a combination that could finally elevate the team’s defense, particularly against the run.

However, there are so many variables to be found within this discussion.

From Jackson’s uncertain status to Bowens’ veteran legs to the still developing progress of Maiava and Veikune, and finally – based on the thin depth found along the defensive line, there are some obvious concerns at inside linebacker heading into the season.

In terms of an overall pick, this position could prove to be the ultimate boom or bust scenario for the defense in 2010.

But then again, since I’ve already used that line to describe the defensive line, perhaps we’ll just have to settle for a bang.

As in banging your head against the wall whenever Trusnik enters the game.

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Check out Part One – Quarterbacks here, Part Two – Running Backs – here, Part Three – Wide Receivers here, Part Four – Tight Ends here, Part Five – Offensive Line here, Part Six – Special Teams here and Part Seven – Defensive Line here.