Cleveland Browns: Five Predictions For Preseason Football

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker

(51) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2. Mingo’s Last Preseason In Cleveland?

The phrase that comes to mind regarding Barkevious Mingo‘s career is injury riddled. The linebacker has not been a consistently productive player due to having so much trouble staying on the field or playing with injuries that affected his performance.

This preseason is no different as he recently had another surgery. If his upcoming season goes like others in recent past, then the Browns first round pick, sixth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft is going to be playing on another team next year.

Since he has not provided many benefits for Cleveland’s defense, the team should look elsewhere to upgrade the linebacking corps to complement their talented defensive line and secondary.

Mingo, who had questions dating back to before he was drafted if he is capable of being a reliable player standing up or with his hands on the group likely has one last chance to show he can play football at a high level with Cleveland.

Outside of Mingo, the Browns have only drafted Christian Kirksey and rookie Nate Orchard in recent years during the first two days of the draft to improve their linebackers position. That area on defense has not received as much attention as the defensive line or secondary during the draft.

Related: Cleveland Browns: Is Nate Orchard the End of Barkevious Mingo?

That may change if significant play is not regularly seen out of him. That is going to be the case and next season fans will see the former LSU Tiger on another roster.

Next: Browns Have What It Takes