Browns add LB Mack Wilson to up-and-coming defense

The Cleveland Browns selected linebacker Mack Wilson out of Alabama in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 155th overall.

Cleveland needed to add strong coverage linebackers to an athletically limited group of Joe Schobert, Genard Avery, and Christian Kirksey.

Wilson isn't a top-level athlete, but he possesses the agility and ball skills to cover pass-catching tight ends and running backs. He joins third-rounder Sione Takitaki as the new faces in Cleveland's linebacker room.

School: Alabama
Height: 6-1
Weight: 240 lbs

Strengths

• Good hand usage when taking on blockers in running game
• Locates ball carrier and shows ability to stack and shed block to make a play
• Fairly reliable tackler when in position
• Comfortable and effective dropping into coverage and has ball skills
• Can make an impact as a blitzer from second level

Weaknesses

• Average athleticism
• Never contributed much as a downhill player with splash plays against run
• Must learn to diagnose plays and attack more quickly
• Only one season as a full-time starter

Bottom line

Alabama seems to send a highly regarded linebacker prospect to the NFL every year. Wilson is the latest, as he's a physical middle-of-the-field presence who can tackle and drop into coverage. Teams would probably like to see him establish more of a downhill play style, but instincts for which could come as he continues to gain experience, having only started the one year in Tuscaloosa.

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