Written by Dave Kolonich

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To both continue the strength in numbers argument, as well as generally move on to discussions more worthy of our time, let’s take a look at a most intriguing situation occurring at outside linebacker in Cleveland.

But first, a post LeBron mortem – I promise this is the last one…

LeBron is no Art Modell.  That level of scorn is reserved for the likes of the most bumbling, yet calculatingly shrewd villian in the history of Cleveland sports – not for a kid whose biggest offseason revelation was discovering Twitter.  Much like how I made the comment that we should stop coloring our athletes’ thoughts with our own perceptions, it’s probably best that we don’t continue elevating LeBron to a level that he is undeserving of.

Or, in other words – a dark arts contest between LeBron and Modell is not really a contest.

Anyway, about those linebackers….again. 

Scott Fujita

First, from Reboot Hall of Famer GW Bear, comes this…

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t Fujita slotted at ILB? From all the articles I read about mini-camp that is where he lined up the most. He is a definite upgrade over N’yQuell, a big, strong thumper who can cover backs and tight ends too….

Considering the dense volume of linebacker bodies playing within Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan’s interchangeable defensive schemes, the answer to the question is this:

Who knows?

My thinking is that Fujita was thrown inside due to D’Qwell Jackson’s offseason absence.  Much like David Bowens performing similar duties thanks to Jackson and Eric Barton’s injuries in 2009, my guess is that Fujita will not be slotted exclusively at one position in 2010.

However, to begin the year, it’s more than likely that Fujita starts opposite Matt Roth on the outside.  Because of his size and experience, Fujita could prove to be an upgrade in terms of overall play.  While he doesn’t exactly replace Kamerion Wimbley in terms of pass rushing, Fujita brings some solid run stopping and coverage skills to a position that has never been adequately filled since 2005. 

In many ways, Fujita could serve as the veteran bridge that Willie McGinest was envisioned as a few seasons ago.  To go back to the Wimbley comparison, an unheralded part of the former first round pick’s game in 2009 was in “setting the edge” against opposing rushing attacks.

To this end, Fujita could prove invaluable in 2010 and maybe even in 2011 – before eventually giving way to a younger player.

Or, to this guy…

David Bowens

Yes…him again.

The entire concept of the “strength in numbers” strategy can be defined by both Fujita and Bowens’ flexibility within the defense.  Both of these veterans will likely play multiple linebacker positions throughout 2010, giving the Browns some intriguing matchup possibilities.

In some respects, having each of these players on the outside during a first or second down could help to improve the team’s run defense.  Both are bigger bodies who can take on opposing blockers.  Both have shown that they still have some range left in their legs. 

And likely in 2010, both will be lining up all over the place.

As for more traditional outside linebackers, here’s a look at a guy who’s probably more of a defensive end.

Don’t you just love the 3-4?

Matt Roth

It took me a short while to come around on Roth.  Perhaps because so many annoited him as the second coming mere seconds after joining the team last season, I was a little wary of instantly supporting a player who was primarily known as both a “tweener” and a head case.

However, Roth’s 2010 tenure with the Browns was impressive, especially considering how quickly he assimilated himself to the role of an outside pass rusher.

Speaking again of Roth’s defensive end background, he clearly showed that he is the team’s best pass rushing option.

Roth’s size, strength, quick feet and nasty demeanor were most welcome additions to a team that has lacked a strong pass rush since the halycon day(s) of Jamir Miller. 

In one-on-one blocking settings, Roth proved that he is a near perfect fit for Rob Ryan’s defense, as his best skill is getting upfield and into the opposing backfield.  Sounds easy enough.

Of course, in a nod to Jackson, 2010 will ultimately prove to be Roth’s make or break year in Cleveland.  If he can parlay his 2009 play into a full season of productivity, the Browns will have a dilemma on their hands heading into 2011.  In other words, 2010 should prove whether Roth is a big piece of the puzzle moving forward, or just another in a series of interchangeable parts.

Chris Gocong

Speaking of which, if Roth was both a conservative gamble and occasional revelation in 2009, then Gocong could prove to be an eerily similar player in 2010.

Coming from Philadelphia, where he was virtually lost as an outside 4-3 linebacker, Gocong could prove to be Roth’s 2010 equal.  Built like a tank – in a more perfect football universe - Gocong would be the answer to the Browns’ problems at inside linebacker. 

However, so far during the offseason, Gocong has lined up at outside linebacker – which may just prove to be the perfect fit for his skills.  The book on Gocong states that his huge frame limits his mobility, making him a liability in pass coverage, yet he doesn’t quite have the toughness to take on opposing blockers along the inside of the defense.

Which means…what exactly?

Either Matt Roth just found some competition in 2010, or the Marcus Benard era may soon begin in Cleveland.  Or, Mangini and Ryan have quite the coaching project on their hands….or Bowens will again prove to be the team’s defensive MVP in 2010.

Marcus Benard

Call it LeBron fatigue, but I’m a little hesitant to get too attached to Benard.  At times last season, Benard flashed some serious pass rushing skills, but is still incredibly raw.

And yes, I just compared Benard to LeBron.  This is what I like to call progress.  Just wait until I unveil www.payjoethomas.com.

Because of this raw talent, Benard will be one of the most intriguing players to watch during training camp.  If he can continue to progress at what is basically a foreign position for him, Benard could become a contributor in 2010. 

If not, it may be hard for Benard to even make the final roster. 

From the never-ending cheap comparison department, I have to consider Benard as a discount version of Gocong.  Both are essentially angling for a backup outside linebacker spot.  Whoever gets the early camp jump on this spot could become a contributor in 2010.

For Benard, this means that he has to become a more complete player in 2010.  His 2009 success primarily came during the team’s shift to more four-man fronts – as Benard was effective as a third-down edge rusher – but didn’t see much time at outside linebacker.

Titus Brown

From the D.D. Hoggard Last Roster Spot on the Team Files comes the case of Titus Brown.  Brown is the quintessential Mangini player, given his unheralded background, limited skills and work ethic.  Brown’s size is comparable to Benard and Fujita, however, his journey to the final roster will be a tough climb.

And in future news, look for this same “analysis” again in 2011.

Auston English

As with virtually every other position on the roster, English serves as the rookie linebacker longshot to make the team.  However, English received some good buzz during OTA’s and his college experience should prove helpful.  English’s best bet for 2010 would probably be found on the team’s practice squad – especially given the huge number of bodies currently found at linebacker.

Ideally

This position is a classic case of the irrelevance of a starting lineup during the Mangini reign.  Whoever emerges during camp and the preseason may not be a defacto starter, but should prove important throughout the season.

Having said that, an ideal scenario sees Fujita help solidify the team’s run defense, while Roth continues to florish as a pass rusher.  Bowens does what Bowens does, which is fill in the gaps, while hopefully Gocong and Benard are coached up to the point of making an impact.

But Really

Considering that both Gocong and Benard are question marks, this position will only go as far as Roth, Fujita and Bowens can take it.  Given Fujita and Bowens’ veteran legs, this could prove alarming as the season stretches on.  Of course, as we’ve witnessed for close to a half-decade now, the Browns’ defense is only as good as its’ pass rush – or lack thereof. 

In many ways, the MVP of this group is not a player, but instead is Rob Ryan’s creativity as a coordinator.  Because the talent is still thin and brutally undefined, Ryan will have to again scheme his way to success in 2010. 

The Pick

Much like Bowens last season, Fujita brings some great veteran intanglibles to the defense.  In terms of leadership, an investment in Fujita was a great move.  However, what he can actually bring to the defense in 2010 is still a bit uncertain.  On the surface, Fujita should help improve the run defense and allow Roth to serve as the team’s best pass rushing option. 

Of course, health is another major concern for the unit, especially given the talented, but raw depth found behind Fujita, Roth and Bowens. 

For the Browns’ outside linebackers to finally show the type of pass rushing threat that the defense has lacked for years, a combination of veteran savvy, good health and a huge dose of creativity is needed.

Lucky for us, we just may have the numbers to pull this off.

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This was Part Nine of a near endless series of 2010 Browns’ position previews.

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, Part Seven – Defensive Line here and Part Eight – Inside Linebackers here.