Cleveland Browns Release Unofficial Depth Chart For Opener

4 of 4

Jul 31, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Joe Schobert carries the veteran players gear off the field following practice at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea, OH. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie Joe Schobert Listed As Starting OLB

The true surprise on the depth chart is 2016 fourth round selection Joe Schobert leaping Nate Orchard at OLB.

Orchard, a 2015 second round selection by the Ray Farmer regime, appeared in 15 games (11 starts) last season. He accumulated 36 combined tackles and three sacks.

More from Factory of Sadness

The Utah product led the NCAA in sacks during the 2014 season, but failed to translate that success to the NFL in his rookie year. Moving Orchard to a backup role is disappointing but fitting for a Farmer selection.

Perhaps the writing was on the wall for Orchard, considering he was playing in the fourth quarter of last Thursday’s preseason finale; A position usually relegated to reserves.

Schobert will start alongside fellow rookie Emmanuel Ogbah at OLB. The former Wisconsin Badger was a consensus NCAA All-American in 2015 and a semifinalist for both the Lombardi and Bednarik awards.

Schobert started his collegiate career as a walk-on and eventually earned himself a scholarship. His tireless work ethic, accompanied with his production in training camp, obviously won Jackson, Horton, and the rest of the Browns coaching staff over.

Next: 2016 Browns Fantasy Preview

Orchard’s benching is yet another example of the “out with the old, in with the new” attitude. Didn’t I say they want to see their guys play?

Home/Cleveland Browns