Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: LB Preview, Part 3

Three more linebackers are on the Browns’ roster as we head into training camp, so let’s see what their chances are of making an impression.

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8. Justin Currie - Backup Linebacker

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 230 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 2 years | College: Western Michigan

Justin Currie. Justin Currie. Justin Currie. I swear we had a safety on our roster last year by that name? It took a few minutes for the lightbulb to go off in my head that this is the same player, and that apparently, the team has decided to move Currie to linebacker this offseason.

An ankle injury last preseason cost Currie a shot at a starting safety role, but he returned later in the year. He saw most of his action in Weeks 16-17, where he combined for 6 tackles and 1 sack. I know it was very limited time, but Currie seemed to bring a good pass-rushing presence lining up near the line of scrimmage. This is a case where Currie could win a spot if he shows some deep versatility as a linebacker/safety/key special teams player, but he’ll really need to impress in that last area to stick around due to the numbers game.

Final Roster Odds: 25%

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9. Jermaine Grace - Backup Linebacker

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 223 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 2 years | College: Miami

In early May, the Browns decided to waive middle linebacker Dominique Alexander. Taking his spot on the roster was Jermaine Grace, an undrafted free agent in 2017 who first began the year with the Atlanta Falcons, where he appeared in 5 games. He later played in 6 games with the Colts, logging 3 special teams tackles. Grace logged an interception last preseason for Atlanta:

Heading into the draft last year, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com liked his speed and athleticism, but thought his “lack of functional weight” (he was around 210 pounds at the time) would prevent teams from drafting him. He can be a decent coverage player, but his instincts to react were questioned. Grace is in camp likely to compete for a special teams job.

Final Roster Odds: 5%

10. Brady Sheldon - Backup Linebacker

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220 lbs | Age: 25
Experience: 1 year | College: Ferris State

When the Browns placed CB Howard Wilson on injured reserve in mid-June, they signed Brady Sheldon to fill the open roster spot. Sheldon was originally an undrafted free agent in 2017 who signed with the Raiders. He registered one tackle in the preseason for Oakland in 2017, but didn’t make the team’s 53-man roster and did not sign to their practice squad until mid-November. Sheldon was activated for the final two games of the regular season

Sheldon is also a bit lean for the linebacker position, which helps explain why he ran a very fast 4.52 40-time at the Combine last year to go along with a good vertical. It will be fun to see if he gets any opportunities to rush the passer this preseason, but he is another player who is really just competing for a special teams spot.

Final Roster Odds: 5%