Alex

Hall

Wimbley, the No. 13 overall pick in 2006, is just 26 years old and led Cleveland in sacks last season, so the move is surprising at first glance. However, the Browns have stockpiled quality depth at outside linebacker, and could turn to Marcus Benard (3.5 sacks in ’09), trusty Jason Trusnik, gifted Alex Hall, or 2009 second-round pick David Veikune opposite Matt Roth. In Oakland, Wimbley will likely start at left defensive end, replacing Greg Ellis. He’ll be playing with his hand in the dirt for the first time since Florida State.

Hall has made only two appearances since the end of the 2009 season, both of which came in 2010. He spent the past two seasons in the CFL. Hall would be an extreme long-shot to crack the Titans’ 53-man roster.

Hall has spent the last two seasons in the CFL, but appeared in 32 games with the Browns and Giants from 2008-2010. He racked up 16 sacks with the Saskatchewan Roughrigers last season. Hall will compete for a roster spot as a reserve defensive end.

Hall might already be Cleveland’s best pass rusher, although his technique was lacking last year and it cost him playing time. New coach Eric Mangini is a stickler for technique. Hall will need to defend the run better to keep the job.

A seventh-round pick from little St. Augustine last year, Hall flashed with three sacks and two forced fumbles in his first season. He’s in the mix with David Bowens and perhaps David Veikune to start opposite Kamerion Wimbley.

Hall’s bypassed David Bowens, who still figures to rotate in on some early downs. Hall has arguably even better pass-rushing upside than Wimbley, but hasn’t done much this preseason. We’d avoid this situation in IDP leagues.

Both are listed as questionable for Week 3, but are unlikely to play. Ryan Tucker figures to take Steinbach’s spot with Alex Hall starting for McGinest.

The Browns, desperate for another OLB to take heat off Kamerion Wimbley, could have a keeper here. Wimbley has just one QB pressure and no sacks in the first three games. Hall should start when Willie McGinest gets healthy.

Peek played through a knee injury last year, and it may be costing him. He’s gone through two surgeries since and still isn’t right. It looks like the seventh-rounder Alex Hall and Willie McGinest will rotate at OLB for Cleveland, a potential weak spot.