With the draft approaching, we offer some position-by-position draft trivia in Cleveland Browns history, continuing with the linebackers.
Last linebacker drafted by the Browns: Christian Kirksey, third round last year.
Last first-round linebacker drafted by the Browns: Barkevious Mingo, sixth overall in 2013.
Last linebacker taken 12th overall: Shawne Merriman, by San Diego in 2005.
Last three linebackers taken 12th: Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, by the Jets in 2004, and Keith Brooking, by the Falcons in 1998.
Last linebacker taken 19th overall: Sean Weatherspoon, by the Falcons in 2010.
Last three linebackers taken 19th: Weatherspoon, Otis Wilson, by the Bears in 1980, and George Andrews, by the Rams in 1979.
Number of linebackers drafted by the Browns since 1999: 19, including Barkevious Mingo.
Number of first-round linebackers since 1999: Two: Mingo and Kamerion Wimbley
Pro Bowl appearances by those first-round picks: Zero.
Best of that group: Wimbley. A solid player who fell victim to regime change. There was no reason to give up on him the way the Browns did.
Number of first-round linebackers in team history: 11 — Mingo, Wimbley (2006), Craig Powell (1995), Clifford Charlton (1988), Mike Junkin (1987), Mike Johnson (USFL, 1984), Chip Banks (1982), Clay Matthews (1978), Robert Jackson (1977), Bob Matheson (1967), Jim Houston (1960).
All-Browns draft team rep, 1999 to today or ... the best drafted players at each position since 1999: ILBs D’Qwell Jackson (second round, 2006) and Andra Davis (fifth round, 2002). OLBs Wimbley (2006) and Mingo. That Mingo is included speaks to a group that included Emmanuel Acho, Leon Williams, Chaun Thompson and Kevin Bentley. The all-drafted team now includes QB Tim Couch, RB Jerome Harrison, FB Lawrence Vickers, WRs Braylon Edwards and Kevin Johnson, TE Jordan Cameron, OTs Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz, OGs Joel Bitonio and Shawn Lauvao, C Alex Mack, DEs Courtney Brown and Jabaal Sheard, DTs Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor and the four linebackers.
Tomorrow: Defensive backs.
