Cleveland Browns: 5 preseason position battles taking shape for 2019

5. Takitaki vs. Kirksey vs. Avery, OLB

ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi called linebacker one of the most interesting position battles to watch.

That’s because the Browns drafted Sione Takitaki out of BYU in the third round. Cleveland’s brass view him as an explosive player capable of making a difference on any given play.

He’ll certainly find opportunity during Training Camp and the preseason because Cleveland only returns starters Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.

Genard Avery is expected to get a look at the spot vacated by the Browns’ release of Jamie Collins, however, the Memphis product hardly has a lock on the position.

Avery enters training camp with a reputation for getting to the quarterback, but can he handle himself in coverage against tight ends?

It also would be surprising to see Tackitacki press Christian Kirksey for playing time. The veteran had a terrible season in 2018, ranking 85th among the 92 linebackers graded by Pro Football Focus. Whether defending the pass, or defending the run, Kirksey didn’t do anything well.

Kirksey appeared in just seven games because of injury.

The Browns do like Avery, as general manager John Dorsey singled him out during some press conferences last winter, so if Kirksey falters and Takitaki balls out, you may see the third-round pick at the weakside linebacker spot.