D'Qwell Jackson....... (1 Viewer)

[jgb95]

Is he going to start?

Is he worth a roster spot this year?

Here's my scoring system

2 tackle

1 asst

10 sack

4 FR

2 FF

2 PD

 

[Jene Bramel]

Is he going to start?

Is he worth a roster spot this year?

Here's my scoring system

2 tackle

1 asst

10 sack

4 FR

2 FF

2 PD

Here's the current coaching mindset.

Linebacker: Thompson vs. Jackson

“Right now, Chaun has the edge because he’s been here for a year and he knows the system. He’s done a good job inside. D’Qwell is a guy who improves everyday. He’s a rookie in our system and he takes what he sees on tape and improves it on the field the next time out. It will be very important that both of those guys continue to be consistent.”

clevelandbrowns.com

IMO, D'Qwell almost certainly starts at some point this season. Certainly could be opening weekend. He got experience in a pro-style 3-4 defense at Maryland and was arguably the best ILB prospect in this draft. Thompson hasn't been able to cut it at any position with marginal competition.

The limiting factor is Andra Davis. He'll play the LILB/MLB role in this defense and will get the bulk of the boxscore numbers. For now, Jackson's short term upside is probably that of a Randall Godfrey, Larry Foote type player. Davis just got a fairly nice contract extension and is unlikely to leave. However, it's not crazy to think that Jackson is a better player than Davis and they could switch roles in the future. Just spitballing on my part though, but in any situation, Jackson is talented enough to warrant a roster spot in all leagues.