Much has been said and written about the new linebacker talent added to the Cleveland Browns roster for the 2021 season.
Anthony Walker was acquired from the Colts via free agency.
Rookies Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK) and Tony Fields II were added at the 2021 NFL Draft.
It is true that linebacker depth and play was suspect last season, but many wondered what the new additions meant for Mack Wilson‘s future with the Browns.
Wilson came to camp competing for a role and playing time.
Thus far, he is doing the right things to secure his spot on this defense.
#Browns LBs Anthony Walker and Mack Wilson in attendance today at OTA’s, photo via @Browns pic.twitter.com/NHBeZTzaxw
— Brad Stainbrook (@BrownsByBrad) June 1, 2021
Wilson has reportedly been spending a lot of time with Anthony Walker.
Walker, who mentored Darius Leonard while he was at Indianapolis, is a good resource for Wilson.
I'm so excited to watch Anthony Walker take Mack Wilson, Jacob Phillips, and Sione Takitaki under his wing like he did for Darius Leonard! That's going to be invaluable! @__AWalkJr @5mackwilson1 @STakitaki @jacobphillips_1 #Browns https://t.co/MpWEy4gPtp
— DynastyCLE (@DynastyCLE) March 20, 2021
Wilson knew the challenges that were ahead of him as a result of the Browns’ linebacker additions in the offseason.
As a result, he focused on improving his fitness, and it shows.
Coach Stefanski has taken note of Wilson’s improved fitness entering the 2021 season.
“Mack is in a great place. He’s working really, really hard. He had a great offseason. Both physically and mentally what he did within the scheme, I thought he did a nice job. He’s out here, and I think we can’t look too much into who’s running with the ones. This is a competition, and we’re all competing. Now, we are going to start in one place, but everybody is fighting for those jobs every single day. Mack is doing a nice job.”
5) LB Mack Wilson is quietly having a really good camp—he changed his body this offseason, and it's showing early on. It'd be tough for Wilson to unseat new Brown Anthony Walker, but he's at least vying for some sort of role.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 3, 2021
The Browns linebacker depth is already being tested.
JOK was delayed in coming to camp as a result of being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Anthony Walker has a knee injury that is sidelining him.
Tony Fields II is dealing with a foot injury.
Using the “next man up” mentality, this is Wilson’s time to shine.
He made a big play at camp on Tuesday.
Mack Wilson INT pic.twitter.com/iWdWpTylEa
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) August 3, 2021
Keep an eye on Wilson’s progress and the linebacker competition as it continues to unfold during training camp.
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