.To
make roster space, the team waived defensive lineman Ifeadi Odenigbo.Hines, 24,
is a 6-foot-1 and 235-pound linebacker who went undrafted and signed with the
Chargers over the summer. He joined the team’s practice squad after being
released during final roster cuts. Hines played at Houston where he was a solid
presence for the Cougars defense. In 33 games over four years he recorded 171
total tackles—eight of which were for a loss—forced three fumbles, and had one
interception.Cleveland is banged up at linebacker, so there’s a possibility
Hines could see some actual game reps provided Chris Kirksey misses his
third-consecutive game in Week 4. Backup James Burgess left the team’s Week 3
win over the Jets with a knee injury, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be
available against the Raiders.However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported
Burgess is day-to-day with an MCL sprain
Womens Jarvis Landry Jersey , so Hines could be strictly an insurance policy.Odenigbo was claimed off waivers after being released by the Minnesota
Vikings following final roster cuts. While he made the team’s 53-man roster,
Odenigbo was not active for any of his three weeks with the team.Many had high
hopes the former Northwestern Wildcat would provide some much-needed defensive
line depth, but instead he fell victim to in-season NFL roster churn. It
probably won’t take long for Odenigbo to catch on somewhere, and he presumably
will not be making it through waivers. If he clears, there’s a chance he could
stay with the Browns on their practice squad.Cleveland Browns Training Camp
2018: LB Preview, Part 2 After covering the top four linebackers on the
Cleveland Browns, it’s time to look at the players with the best shot at landing
a depth role heading into training camp.Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports5. James
Burgess - Backup Outside LinebackerHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 230 lbs | Age:
24Experience: 2 years | College: LouisvilleJames Burgess was one of my darkhorse
players to make the roster last season. He ended up playing in 14 games (9
starts), registering 75 tackles and 4 sacks. At first
Youth Denzel Ward Jersey , he was utilized as an extra linebacker in nickel passing situations before taking over for Jamie Collins during his
injuries.Burgess exceeded expectations, even playing a little better than
Collins had been at times. However, things won’t be handed to him this year with
the addition of Mychal Kendricks and the drafting of Genard Avery. Cleveland
only regularly played four linebackers in 2017, so Burgess needs to do
everything he can to show he’ll make the most of his reps if the team can find
him a niche role. I still believe the team likes his abilities in coverage,
something he can key in on this preseason.Final Roster Odds: 90%Ken Blaze-USA
TODAY Sports6. Genard Avery - Rookie Middle LinebackerHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 250
lbs | Age: 23Experience: Rookie | College: MemphisGenard Avery was a 5th round
pick by the Browns. Many people were high on him for his potential to be a
factor at the middle linebacker position. Hue Jackson already said that they are
going to start him off at the MIKE, where he will bring a pass-rushing
presence.Pro Football Focus said that Avery “had the highest pass-rushing grade
in the class (83.5) at his position, more than 6.5 points higher than the next
closest.” If Cleveland does like I think they will and cuts back on having two
linebackers each play 100% of the snaps, then Avery will be able to fill in for
Joe Schobert in some downhill passing situations.Final Roster Odds: 95%Shanna
Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports7. B.J. Bello - Backup Outside LinebackerHeight: 6-3 |
Weight: 229 lbs | Age: 23Experience: 2 years | College: Illinois StateB.J. Bello
was another young player who cracked the roster in 2017 for a depth role. He
played in all 16 games
Womens Carlos Hyde Jersey , but was primarily on special teams and saw very few snaps defensively. He finished the year with 6 tackles.Bello faces an
uphill battle to make the roster, already buried at seventh on our preview list
due to two new additions in the offseason. His best shot at making the 53-man
roster will be if a player in front of him gets hurt, or if he really makes a
strong impression on special teams. Last October, an article was published on
Bello, highlighting his background. He, like many undrafted players, chose to
sign with Cleveland because he felt it was his best chance at making a roster at
the time.Final Roster Odds: 25%
