5. Sione Takitaki, MIKE LB
Speaking of the rookie linebackers, Sione Takitaki got to start ahead of Joe Schobert, who was excused for personal reasons.
Takitaki was an unknown when his name name was called in the third round of last spring’s draft, but his presence was seen at the MIKE linebacker position.
On multiple occasions, Takitaki brought pressure up the middle and forced the quarterback into a throw.
On one play in particular during the first quarter, Takitaki really had the snap count down and just looked physically imposing while rushing Case Keenum.
You can see why the Browns are high on the rookie out of BYU.