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3 Linebackers the Browns Can Sign or Draft to Replace Joe Schobert

By Brady Williams

With Joe Schobert reportedly departing from the Cleveland Browns, they'll need to find a new middle linebacker.
With Joe Schobert reportedly departing from the Cleveland Browns, they'll need to find a new middle linebacker. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns' Joe Schobert has been a great middle linebacker. In 2019, he recorded 89 solo tackles and 133 combo tackles, and he's done plenty to help the Browns jump-start the post-Hue Jackson era. Despite the good will he's earned in northeast Ohio, howver, he's likely to be out for 2020, as the Browns are reportedly unwilling to meet his demands for a contract worth $10 million per season. To avoid more disaster and embarrassment, Cleveland needs to find a succession plan, either through the draft or free agency.

3. Malik Harrison, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeye Malik Harrison is a mid-round pick that has a high ceiling.
Ohio State Buckeye Malik Harrison is a mid-round pick that has a high ceiling. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Malik Harrison is fresh off posting best time for a linebacker in the NFL Scouting Combine's three-cone drill. Putting stock in these measurables is one thing, but what the Browns also put stock in is Harrison's 75 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries for Ohio State in 2019? As a highly affordable pickup as soon as the third round, Cleveland should keep an eye on this Buckeye.

2. Nick Kwiatkoski, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski has limited experience, but if they don't trust a rookie, he's a promising option.
Chicago Bears Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski has limited experience, but if they don't trust a rookie, he's a promising option. / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Nick Kwiatkoski of the Chicago Bears has 22 starts under his belt. He hasn't gotten a heaping ton of NFL experience, but he'll have some notable suitors in free agency in short order. With the Browns' needs spanning almost every position, Kwiatkoski is a great add if they'd rather avoid the trade market. He recorded three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and 56 solo tackles last season, and offers attractive potential with a higher workload.

1. Patrick Queen, LSU

LSU Tigers' Linebacker and national champion Patrick Queen could bring some success to Cleveland.
LSU Tigers' Linebacker and national champion Patrick Queen could bring some success to Cleveland. / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Despite winning a national championship on one of the most dominant teams in recent NCAA memory, LSU's Patrick Queen spent too long being overlooked. The Browns have shown they don't want to pay big for a linebacker, so the draft is likely the best way to go, and this kid is a championship player with terrific speed for his position. He's drawn comparisons to the versatile Myles Jack, and if he drops to the second round, selecting him could be a coup for the Browns.