Fan Perception: What We Learned About the Browns' Outside Linebackers Heading Into Training Camp

In each of our training camp previews, we conduct a poll at the end of the post. The polls are intended to gauge fan perception about certain players or roles on the Cleveland Browns heading into training camp. They help set the initial expectations that fans have on certain players. Here is a summary of each of those polls for the outside linebackers:

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I feel like we're all over the place with the starting outside linebacker spot this year (opposite Paul Kruger). The comment by Jim O'Neil that Barkevious Mingo would have to earn playing time on early downs makes you think the scale tips in the favor of Nate Orchard. However, if Scott Solomon is actually preferred by O'Neil to start, then Mingo would get more snaps than Orchard as a nickel player. Ultimately, I'd pick Mingo for Week 1, because if a transition does occur in playing time, it is typically once a player gets more experience in the system and in the NFL.  [Read Part 1 of the OLB Preview]

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The fact that Scott Solomon, a guy who played out of no where in the final two regular season games last year, has put doubt in fans' minds about the starting OLB role shows how much weight O'Neil's praise for him has held. We need to see a larger sample of him. Matt Roth made a big impact in his first couple of games a few years ago, but didn't last long after that. Is Solomon a one-hit wonder or a legit contender? [Read Part 2 of the OLB Preview]