THE LINEBACKERS

What we know: At the top of this group are two familiar faces who have played many downs of football for the Browns: Kirksey and Schobert. The latter was a ray of sunshine in a dark time for the Browns, tying for the NFL lead in tackles (144) and making the Pro Bowl at the conclusion of the team's 0-16 campaign. The former is as much an effective face of the franchise as he is a reliable linebacker, serving as a positive force in his first few years with the team despite the franchise's struggles. When Kirksey was lost last season to injury, his absence showed as the defense struggled against the run in the second half of the campaign. He and Schobert return in 2019 with the company of new faces, about whom we don't know too much. That's what the next section is for, though, and the players who are returning bring an assortment of potential for significant contribution. Avery is one, shining in pass-rush scenarios as a rookie and rising as a possible replacement for the departed Jamie Collins. "He plays with his hair on fire," run game coordinator/linebackers coach Al Holcomb said of Avery. "He plays fast, his effort is relentless, he's physical at the point of attack. Those are the things, the intrinsic things that he brings to the table, that he brings to this defense, just his overall ability and his willingness and pursuit to get to the football. And he's a pretty good pass rusher as well." Armstrong brings a veteran presence and tremendous athleticism that could fill depth gaps in the second level of the defense, especially as the season moves into its most difficult stretches. Taylor is a versatile linebacker and an ideal fit for Steve Wilks' defense, which values the ability to play multiple positions.