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Browns receive a reminder from ESPN that they will be without one of the highest ranked players at a key position for the 2025 season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 4:44 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns had an elite defense in 2023 when Jim Schwartz took over as defensive coordinator. While Cleveland’s offense was the main catalyst for a disappointing 3-14 finish last season, the defense also took a step back.

Once again, injuries hit the Browns hard—just as they did in 2023. One of their top defensive players was lost in Week 8 last year, and he won’t be suiting up at all in 2025.

Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah suffered a serious neck injury while attempting to tackle Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry. It was a frightening moment that resulted in a brief hospital stay. Now, the Pro Bowler’s football future is uncertain, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return in 2026.

ESPN’s off-ball linebacker rankings highlight what the Browns lost

ESPN has been releasing its annual position rankings, voted on by NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Since he’s out for the 2025 season, Owusu-Koramoah was placed on the honorable mention list—but it’s a reminder of how highly he’s regarded. According to the voting, the former Notre Dame star was ranked as the No. 6 off-ball linebacker in the league.

“He was top three in the league before he got hurt. Such a weapon in [Jim Schwartz’s] defense. TFL machine, super impactful,” said one NFL personnel director.

Execs, coaches and scouts rank top 10 off-ball linebackers:

Consensus: This is the NFL's weakest position.

-Fred Warner in class by himself
-Top-five surprise out of Washington
-Even bigger surprise out of Dallas
-A 35-year-old legend back in top 10https://t.co/Vhc62WEPa3
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 15, 2025

In just eight games last season, Owusu-Koramoah recorded 61 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, and three sacks. The athletic linebacker flies all over the field in a way few others can. When he went down, the Browns lost not only a top-three player on their defense, but a key force behind their defensive front.

Cleveland addressed the position early in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting former UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger with the No. 33 overall pick—a move that signaled JOK wouldn’t be available this season. The team also brought in veteran free agent Jerome Baker and still has Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks in the room.

Losing one of the best linebackers in the NFL is a major blow, but the Browns have a solid linebacker corps that should be able to hold things together in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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