The Cleveland Browns will look to build upon their defense with some more additions to the linebacker group this draft cycle. With that in mind, let’s take a look at one part of that defense and how it may impact the Browns’ thinking for the 2026 NFL draft.

Cleveland will enter the current NFL Draft cycle with a solid defensive foundation. Todd Monken has stated he has no intention of moving away from Jim Schwartz’s attacking 4-3 scheme that ranked first in yards allowed. New defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg brings experience from similar aggressive fronts. He has emphasized style over scheme – focusing on violent, downhill play and strong ball pursuit.

The current linebacker room aligns well with this identity. Carson Schwesinger anchors the group after a productive rookie season and Quincy Williams adds veteran leadership following his free-agency signing. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah provides range and versatility. However, his injury status may keep him completely off the radar for 2026. That said, the rest of the depth chart at LB does not produce much confidence. With so much additional help needed in various other parts of the roster, some mid-round additions could deliver depth, competition, and special teams help.

Let’s take a look at five realistic Day 2-3 linebacker value adds that fit the Cleveland Browns’ needs.

Browns: Five Day 2-3 Linebacker Value Adds in the 2026 NFL Draft

1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (Projected: Rounds 2-3)

At 6’-1”, 231 pounds, and possessing 4.57 speed, Jacob diagnoses quickly and plays physical at the point of attack. In what Cleveland will be expecting from this group, his pursuit and awareness would allow him to flow and finish plays effectively. He projects as a potential long-term starter with a floor of a solid rotational piece. 

Rodriguez earned the Butkus Award and showed consistent production with 63 solo tackles, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions.

2. Jake Golday, Cincinnati (Projected: Round 3)

Golday measured 6’-4”, weighing 239 pounds while running a 4.62 and hitting a 39” vertical at the combine. The former edge rusher turned linebacker offers length, explosiveness, and solid run-stuffing skills. He has the technique and power to shed blockers, pursue downhill, and tackle in space. Jake would also be an immediate contributor on special teams, making him a practical draft choice with upside. 

Golday would provide immediate depth with eventual starters’ potential and traits that would help him stick to the roster.

3. Josiah Trotter, Missouri (Projected: Rounds 2-3)

Trotter stands at 6’-2”, 237 pounds, and plays with physicality near the line of scrimmage. He uses leverage and strong hands to exploit gaps, flashes quick bursts in space, and can pursue sideline to sideline. Young but advanced, his traits and pedigree would complement the Cleveland Browns’ current group and support the culture Rutenberg is building.

Josiah is the son of Jeremiah Trotter Sr., a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles

4. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (Projected: Round 3-4)

Lawson, an Alabama team captain, brings experience and reliability. At 6’-3” and 226 pounds, Deontae shows physical tools on film. Yet he sometimes disappears in space and needs coaching on tackling and coverage awareness. He can be an unsure tackler at times, be pushed around in space, and, at times, fail to recover or keep spatial awareness in coverage.

Lawson would be a project that should be considered unready to provide much return in his first year.

5. Kyle Louis, Pitt (Projected: Round 4-5)

At 6’, 220 pounds, Louis may not be the most imposing physical specimen in the draft, but his ability to get to the ball carrier before the offense has a chance to set up cannot be ignored. Behind the Browns’ strong front four, Kyle has real potential to succeed. He offers tons of athleticism and closing speed. Louis can blitz, play coverage, and demonstrate good instincts. 

Kyle will offer the ability to be a contributor immediately in nickel and other subpackages where having linebackers that can quickly close space and cover is of great benefit.

The Last Word

These mid-round selections would allow the Cleveland Browns to reinforce their linebacker group while staying true to the defensive identity already in place. Having one or two smart additions in the 2026 Draft would give the Browns the ability to begin building long-term continuity on defense. 

Making sure they are players that will fit Monken and Rutenberg’s vision of the defense is a must.

Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images