Browns LB Jordan Hicks dubbed Cleveland's most underappreciated player
The Cleveland Browns are going to need veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks to step up big this season as the team deals with the year-long absence of Pro Bowler Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
However, one analyst believes Hicks may just be the Browns' most underappreciated player anyway. Highlighting one player from each team, NFL.com's Tom Blair identified their most underappreciated player. And for the Browns, it was none other than the 32-year-old starting middle linebacker.
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Here is what Blair had to say on the eldest member of the Browns' linebacking corps:
"Hicks joined up with his old Eagles boss, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, when he signed in Cleveland last year, and aside from some time missed with injuries, he continued to do what he's done for most of his career: put up numbers. In 12 starts, he generated 78 tackles and two sacks, earning the sixth-best defensive grade on the team from Pro Football Focus. And while expectations around the Browns might be low, the veteran is in line to play an important role again in the absence of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah."
Hicks joins a corps that now consists of 33rd overall pick Carson Schwesinger, former undrafted free agents Mohamoud Diabate (who found success in some starts a year ago) and Winston Reid, and veterans Devin Bush and Jerome Baker. With a history with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, it will undoubtedly be Hicks' role to be the glue guy in the room.
Can the veteran step up to the task this season?
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns LB Jordan Hicks dubbed Cleveland's most underappreciated player
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