Craig

Robertson

A utility linebacker who logged fewer than 100 snaps last year, Robertson did chip in five special teams tackles. He will play a similar role in 2019.

Jackson is locked in, but second-year LBs Robertson and James-Michael Johnson will compete for the other spot. Robertson appeared in all 16 games as a rookie, recording 93 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. Johnson started eight games in 2012 before ending the season on injured reserve with a minor knee injury. JMJ is a thumper; Robertson excels in coverage.

The ERFA tender is worth $570k. Robertson made 57 tackles and an interception in 14 games with the Browns last season.

Robertson didn’t practice all week and is day to day with a knee sprain. Tank Carder will replace him in the starting lineup opposite D’Qwell Jackson.

Robertson is day to day with a knee sprain and was officially listed as doubtful. He’ll be replaced by Tank Carder in the starting lineup. Also inactive for the Browns are DE Armonty Bryant, TE MarQueis Gray, RT Martin Wallace, OL Patrick Lewis, RG Garrett Gilkey, and OT Reid Fragel.

Robertson underwent an MRI on Monday and could miss practice time this week. Tank Carder replaced Robertson on Sunday and would likely draw the start opposite D’Qwell Jackson if he misses time.

Robertson ran with the first-stringers during the offseason program, but that was likely a case of easing the rookie in. Kirksey projects as a far superior player in coverage, and was hand-picked by new head coach Mike Pettine -- who helped turn Kiko Alonso into a star as a rookie last season. We like Kirksey as a late-round sleeper IDP pick.

Robertson flashed every-down linebacker tools as an undrafted rookie in 2012, but was exposed badly in run defense as a sophomore and even struggled in coverage, which is supposed to be his strength. The Browns want to upgrade at inside linebacker. Look for Robertson to be a nickel ‘backer at best in 2014.

Robertson twisted his ankle while attempting to plant to make a tackle in the third quarter of the Browns’ Week 3 loss to Oakland. Chris Kirksey replaced him in the lineup and would be the starter if Robertson is forced to sit.

The Browns tendered Robertson at the second-round level, so he was clearly staying in Cleveland. Robertson split time with Chris Kirksey next to veteran Karlos Danby last season and received positive marks in pass coverage. Depending on Kirksey’s development, Robertson’s snaps could be cut in 2015.