CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This upcoming season,
the Browns could have as many as three undrafted free agents starting on defense. Along with
Desmond Bryant at defensive end and either
Tashaun Gipson or
Johnson Bademosi at free safety,
Craig Robertson will be vying for the starting inside linebacker position alongside stalwart
D’Qwell Jackson.
Robertson emerged during the Browns’ minicamps in June as the favorite to win the job. He will still have competition during training camp in the form of fellow linebackers
James-Michael Johnson and
Tank Carder. Johnson, a fourth round pick in last year’s NFL draft, showed promise in his rookie season but is reportedly having trouble learning defensive coordinator Ray Horton’s new 3-4 scheme.
Robertson has seized the opportunity to grab a starting spot, attempting to build on his strong rookie campaign last year. An undrafted free agent out of North Texas, Robertson earned a roster spot on last year’s team following an impressive performance in training camp. Despite being a tad undersized at 6’1’’ 230 lbs, Robertson won over the coaches and fans last year with his productivity. He played in all 16 games and ended the year second on the team in tackles to go along with one sack and two interceptions.
Even with Robertson’s strong statistics from last year, people remain skeptical as to whether he can be a capable starter in the Browns’ new 3-4 defense. Like
Jabaal Sheard, Robertson will also have to switch positions due to Ray Horton’s scheme. Robertson will be playing on the inside in the 3-4 after playing all of last year at outside linebacker in former defensive coordinator **** Jauron’s 4-3.
Chris Pokorny of
dawgsbynature.com took a look at Robertson’s prospects heading into this season.
Robertson will head into training camp as the favorite, having had a lot of nickel experience in 2012 as a rookie. He did well for a rookie and made some memorable plays, but he also missed 13 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. His experience in coverage from last year should help his odds.
Originally recruited by North Texas to play safety, Robertson plays very well in coverage, able to play either man or zone effectively. Being undersized, the concern isn’t how he’ll play in coverage but how he’ll play against the run. Peter Smith of
dawgpounddaily.com isn’t yet sold that he can play in the middle in a 3-4.
He [Robertson] could make big strides this year but he was on the ground far too much and would get run over by opponents. That poses a significant problem when he is playing inside and could be taking on a guard in the hole.
The Browns will need Robertson to be productive and stay healthy, as there isn’t much depth at his position. If he can prove that last year wasn’t a fluke, the Browns will sport a formidable duo in the middle this season in the form of Robertson and D’Qwell Jackson.