Cleveland Browns: 3 players whose stock is down

2. Cleveland Browns LB Jacob Phillips

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was one of the big stars of the game, but in discussing JOK’s success, not much is being talked about one of the players the second-round pick may have leap frogged on the depth chart: Jacob Phillips

The 2020 third-rounder was a big-time contender to seize the weak-side linebacker position and there was reason to be excited. Phillips’ speed was a noticeable attribute throughout the 2020 campaign. Frankly, the Browns didn’t have anyone like it and it was obvious on the field.

It was only one preseason game, and that that has to prefaced so the commenters don’t remind me, but for a guy fighting for a starting job, Phillips was relatively quiet. He played 23 snaps on defense and was credited with an assist on a tackle in the NFL’s official game book. 

Mack Wilson is also trending the wrong way, but because of injury. It’s unfortunate, but the truth of the matter is he won’t be out there to stave off what looks to be an ascending player in JOK.

The joint practices against the Lions could along way to determine who becomes the starting WILL linebacker, with Sione Takitaki (SAM) and Anthony Walker (MIKE) expected to start at the other two spots when the Browns deploy their conventional three-linebacker scheme.