Cleveland Browns: 3 players who could lose a roster spot to analytics

1. Schobert

Joe Schobert will be a free agent in March, but if the Browns apply a “Moneyball” approach, don’t count on the Wisconsin product getting a new contract,even though he was a product of analytics, as fourth-round pick in the Sashi Brown led 2016 draft.

Schobert is a tackling maven and was a part of several impact plays thoughout the season. That said, he also seemed ti disappear toward the end of the season. The entire defense regressed without Myles Garrett, so that’s a factor to consider.

As for Schobert, the future free agent probably won’t return with Paul DePodesta still in place as Chief Strategy Officer. Remember, he rose to fame through Moneyball by finding production from cheaper players. With Schobert looking for Shaq Thompson-esque money, it’s just seems unlikely the Brown tare going to pony up the cash.

Now, will Paul DePodesta still be here after the new coach is hired? That remains to be seen. But with the saber metrics founder employed by the Browns, it seems like Schobert’s return is still a reach, even with John Dorsey out as general manager.

Schobert’s pending free agency is a polarizing topic among Browns fans. He made 133 tackles, picked off four passes and forced two fumbles, but his detractors will point out how he wasn’t even named to the Pro Bowl.

If you’re playing Moneyball, Schobert is the t type of player you’d replace. You’d love to have his production on a rookie deal. If you’re paying $10 million annually, then you need him to be one of the best linebackers in the league.