3 Rookie linebackers that could sooth the Cleveland Browns after disappointing news

Sad news out of Berea, Ohio, as former Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is likely to never play again. The linebacker, who fans call 'JOK', has been out since mid-way in 2024, following a neck injury. The injury was significant, and Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com is reporting that the linebacker will likely never play again because of it. The loss of the versatile linebacker will hurt the Browns' defense long-term, as many had hoped he could come back in time. As one of the few, true, three-down linebackers, his impact on the Browns was undeniable. 

Now the Browns have a tough task ahead of them, with having to replace a rare three-down linebacker. The Browns did make moves with the idea they'd have to replace Owusu-Koramoah long-term. They went ahead and drafted Carson Schwesinger to help replace the lost production, which paid off. Schwesinger won the 2025AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award due to his own versatility, helping the Browns' defense be one of the best in the NFL.

His addition was enough to keep the Browns from panic mode, but the hits to the defense keep coming. Now there is concern that Devin Bush, another high-level linebacker for the Browns, may be on his way out of Cleveland in search of a bigger contract. The Browns can't afford to lose Owusu-Koramoah and Bush in the same offseason and still expect the Browns defense to continue its elite ways. They'll need to add some talent. With the cap room for the team always a concern, turning to the draft for an affordable option makes the most sense. 

These three players seem like perfect fits for what the Browns are hoping to accomplish next season, while also keeping in mind the other needs the team has to address. 

1. Jake Golday, Cincinnati University, Projected 2nd-3rd Round

The linebacker out of Cincinnati could be a huge addition to the Browns. As a prospect, he's 6'4, he'll likely be closer to 250 lbs by the time the season starts, and according to NFL Draft Buzz, runs a 4.55 40-yard dash. He's big, fast, and versatile, and would be the perfect fit alongside Schwesinger. It's likely you'd need to take him in the second or third round of the draft, which may not sit well with some. There's a belief that the Browns should consider the wide receiver and the offensive line as more pressing matters to address early. Yet, if you want a strong defense, you have to add the talent necessary to keep it going. 

2. Josiah Trotter, Missorui University, Projected late-2nd Round

There are a few players in the 2026 NFL Draft with the pedigree that this prospect has. The son of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah Trotter, has proven himself to be a hot prospect. He's a little undersized, just like his dad was in his day, but he's considered one of the best prospects against the run at the linebacker position. Few draft hopefuls are expected to make as much of a positive impact against the run as Trotter. He does lack the pass-coverage skills needed to be a three-down linebacker, but next to Schwesinger, that flaw may not be such an issue.

3. Lander Barton, University of Utah, Projected 6th-Round

At a massive 6'5, 240 lbs, Lander Barton could be a massive project for the Cleveland Browns to work with. He's had a solid run with the Utes, but a down senior year hurt his draft stock. PFF and NFL Draft Buzz both paint a picture of him being a jack of all trades, but a master of none. He excels at no specific thing, but he isn't bad at any one thing. He'll need some work, but his size and speed (rumored 4.55 40-time) could make him a digestible late-round pick. Some Browns fans want offensive help first, and if the team follows that path, Barton would be a nice project pick late in the process.