Washington Football Team: Defensive prospects to watch at Senior Bowl
By Ian Cummings
No. 4 – National Team LB Baron Browning (Ohio State)
Beyond free safety, linebacker might be one of the Washington Football Team’s biggest defensive needs. Cole Holcomb progressed a bit in 2020, and Kevin Pierre-Louis played well at times. But neither player is consistent enough to warrant full confidence at this point, and it’s always smart to add more talent on the second level.
If you’re up for using an early pick on the linebacker position, then Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning may be the prospect you desire. Browning never quite maintained a starting role with the Ohio State Buckeyes in college, but he frequently flashed his upside, and he continued to do that at the Senior Bowl.
Of the linebackers on the National Team, Browning was the most enticing. He measured in at 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, with a wingspan of 81 inches. He also showcased his elite explosiveness and playmaking potential on the field, making plays in coverage, against the run, and as a pass rusher along the edge.
In Ron Rivera’s scheme, where linebacker blitzes are relatively frequent on later downs, Browning would be a perfect match. He comes out of a cannon coming downfield, and he also has the desired coverage upside with his athleticism and length. He won’t come cheap; Browning is likely a Round 2 prospect at this point. But with the right coaching staff, he’d be worth the cost.