CLEVELAND, Ohio — When healthy, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramaoh is one of the best linebackers in the NFL, and a perfect scheme fit for Jim Schwartz’s defense. Unfortunately for the Browns, a serious neck injury has put the star linebacker’s future in jeopardy. With Owusu-Koramoah’s future in question, Andrew Berry will most likely look for a day three linebacker in the NFL Draft that fits the scheme. The good news is that the undersized, ultra-aggressive linebackers that fit the Browns’ defensive scheme will most likely be around on the last day of the draft. So, what does a Schwartz defensive scheme look like? It emphasizes an aggressive, attack mentality, regardless of the position played. The primary goal is to play fast and disrupt the offense with simple, effective rules. The defensive line focuses on penetrating into one gap and getting up field to create pressure. Linebackers play downhill, aggressively filling any gaps left by the defensive line and cleaning up any plays that break through. The secondary plays a physical, aggressive man-to-man coverage that allows the defense to maximize its ability to apply pressure. This style creates a physical identity where the defense is always dictating the pace of play, forcing loss yardage plays while constantly creating turnover opportunities. What are the requirements to play linebacker in a Schwartz scheme? The linebacker position demands versatility, athleticism, and toughness. Linebackers must be capable of tackling in both tight traffic and open space, while dissecting offensive schemes. They are required to cover multiple positions in pass defense, whether it’s running backs, tight ends, or the occasional wide receivers, while also maintaining solid gap responsibilities in the run game. Blitzing from multiple locations is also a responsibility, with linebackers often tasked with pressuring the quarterback from anywhere on the field. The ability to adapt and perform in different situations is critical, as they must balance their roles in coverage, pass rushing, and run defense while being physically tough enough to battle through blockers and make crucial stops. Here are three linebackers that will most likely be available on day two or day three of the draft: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama, LB If Berry wants to draft Campbell, he will most likely have to use the 33rd overall pick (the first pick of the second round) to obtain the Alabama star linebacker. What separates Campbell in this draft are his physical traits and position flexibility. Campbell had 117 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and five sacks during the 2024 season in Tuscaloosa. Measuring 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he demonstrated fantastic straight-line speed with 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He also had a 1.53 10-yard split and 127-inch broad jump, which shows his impressive short area burst and quickness. Areas of Concern The major issue on film, for me, is Campbell’s inability to stack and shed offensive lineman as they get to him on the second level. In simpler terms, as massive NFL offensive linemen get to the second level, they will look to get their hands inside on and lock on, preventing the linebacker from getting to the football. Fit for the Browns With ability to play multiple positions, cover multiple offensive plyers, blitz from various area on the field, and tackle in space, Campbell would be a great fit in Schwartz’s aggressive scheme. Campbell would be a three-down linebacker that can stop the run on early downs and blitz, play the defensive end, or cover on passing downs. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon, LB Bassa is a true hybrid linebacker and one of my favorite breakdowns during this past offseason. The unquestioned leader of the Dan Lanning defense, the former Duck finished his career with 236 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Bassa has elite change of direction, fluid hips, and outstanding short area burst. These traits make him outstanding in pass coverage along with the ability to blitz. Areas of Concern Bassa plays with great passion and intensity that consistently shows up on film. He has an incredible desire to get to the football and make every tackle. This aggression, though a great attribute for a linebacker, will cause Bassa to occasionally overrun plays, while losing gap integrity. Fit for the Browns Bassa, in Schwartz’s defense, will be an absolute heat seeking missile that will excite fans. In this scheme. linebackers have simple rules that allow them to play fast. In Cleveland, Bassa would be asked to tackle in space, cover running backs and tight ends, and blitz from multiple locations, all things he does at a high level. Smael Mondon, Georgia, LB Mondon is a typical SEC linebacker who plays with the athleticism, explosion, and length that has defined defensive fronts in the conference. Mondon has high-level movement skills in both small areas and in open space. The former Bulldog runs a 4.58 40-yard dash with a 1.52 10-yard split. He has an incredible wingspan of 79-plus inches that allows him to stack and shed bigger offensive linemen. Mondon finished his career with 212 total tackles, 18 tackle a for loss, eight sacks, five passes defended, and one interception. Areas of Concern Right now, Mondon a relies on his raw physical skills to make plays more than his understanding of the game of football. As he enters the NFL, attention to detail coupled with his elite skill set will be the key for prolonged success. Fit for the Browns The Schwartz scheme is absolutely perfect for Mondon and would allow him to play early in his career. The physical strengths and traits of the former Bulldog cannot be taught. However, the finer details can. As Schwartz continues to teach Mondon the nuances of the NFL game, the Browns defensive coordinator can utilize his freakish talent and let him run to the football and makes tackles. What we have learned The Browns have a number of positions that need to be addressed this offseason. The addition of Jerome Baker allows Berry some wiggle room with the linebackers. However, with the uncertainty of Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks being 33 next season, linebacker becomes a position of need in this draft. Campbell, Bassa, and Mondon are guys that are not only talented but fit the skill set and mentality of the Browns’ defensive scheme. Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history.