In this current offseason, the Cleveland Browns have lost two of their two best linebackers in Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.
This means that a new crop of players will have to be the ones to step up and fill the hole in the roster.
This Browns did sign linebacker B.J Goodson in free agency as well.
I already covered what we can expect from Mack Wilson, who is one of the players that will be thrown into a key role on the defense this season.
The other is hard-hitting linebacker, Sione Takitaki.
What should the Browns expect from Takitaki in 2020?
College Career
Takitaki had a slower start to his college career.
He only played in fourteen games combined through his first two seasons.
His junior year was the first time that he participated in a full college season.
However, his senior campaign is what got him to the NFL.
In this senior season, Takitaki had an astronomical 119 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks.
On top of this, he had 75 solo tackles.
The 75 solo tackles were enough for the BYU Cougars linebacker to lead the independent conference in the stat in the 2018 season.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki from BYU takes on a block and is able to cause a fumble during team run period. Cowboys met with him yesterday #CowboysNation #ShrineGame #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Ct5hPz2cJu
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) January 16, 2019
At the combine, Takitaki scored a 5.6/8 deeming him a “chance to make end of the roster or practice squad”.
Also, NFL combine analysis ranked his draft stock as 7th round to undrafted free agent.
However, the Browns saw something that they liked in the hard-hitting linebacker from BYU.
With the 15th pick of the third-round of the 2019 NFL draft, they selected him about three and a half rounds in front of his projection.
“With the 80th pick in the 2019 Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Sione Takitaki, LB, Brigham Young.”
📺: NFLN/ESPN/ABC April 26-27 pic.twitter.com/s2aL3mBUsc
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 27, 2019
Career With Browns
Sione only has 1-year experience in the NFL.
His little playing experience does not give much of a frame of reference to analyze his career with the Browns.
He only played in ten-percent of the snaps last year, despite playing in fifteen games.
However, from what we do know, Takitaki is someone that swarms to the ball and makes plays.
Although he only played in 105 defensive snaps in the 2019 season, he had 14 solo tackles and 7 assisted tackles.
This is good production considering the snap count that he was limited to.
It is safe to assume with more reps and experience, he will continue to get better for the Browns.
What To Expect
Going into his second year in the NFL, it’s hard to project what the Browns will get from Sione Takitaki.
He will be given far more snaps and opportunities to prove himself to the new coaching staff and fans alike.
Also, being paired at linebacker with Mack Wilson is a combination that I love.
Both are explosive hitters and versatile linebackers.
Also, Takitaki is an incredible leader and someone with an unmatched work ethic.
These traits should be enough to push him to be everything the Browns need him to be this coming season.
Sione Takitaki (L) and Mack Wilson (R) working communication and drops during indy drills. #Browns pic.twitter.com/wzOIr8xR28
— Kyle Obly (@KyleOblyFB) July 28, 2019
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