James-Michael

Johnson

Johnson appeared in all 16 games for the Chiefs last season, making nine starts. He was largely ineffective in 446 snaps on defense, but could be useful in a smaller role for defensive-minded coach Lovie Smith. At the very least, he’ll contribute on special teams.

Johnson is a thumper that loves to hit at 6'1/241, but not a pass-rusher from the inside linebacker spot. He’s a true Mike linebacker that can plug against the run and will provide insurance behind tackling machine D’Qwell Jackson in Cleveland.

There is some feeling that Johnson’s best position is WILL ‘backer, and his best chance to start would be there over Kaluka Maiava, with Chris Gocong on the strong side and D’Qwell Jackson in the middle. If Johnson doesn’t earn a starting job, he’ll back up both positions and play on kickoff and punt coverage.

Johnson was Nevada’s starting middle linebacker last season, but Wolfpack coaches always believed his best position was WILL or SAM. With a big training camp, Johnson could push for a starting job. D’Qwell Jackson and Chris Gocong are locked in as starters, but the weak side is wide open in Cleveland.

Richardson is a no-brainer. Weeden is the favorite over incumbent Colt McCoy. Tony Pashos was already cut loose, so Schwartz is locked in at right tackle. With Scott Fujita suspended for three games as part of the bounty scandal punishments, Johnson is expected to compete with Kaluka Maiava for the starting weak side linebacker job. Ulrich has DT John Hughes and WR Travis Benjamin penciled in as role players.

With Scott Fujita suspended for three games, Chris Gocong figures to move to the strong side, which leaves Johnson to compete with Kaluka Maiava on the weak side. The most-likely scenario has “JMJ” working as the top reserve, which would allow him to spell overworked D’Qwell Jackson in the middle, as well.

According to Heckert, it’s a matter of Johnson managing the pain and, although he could make a quick return, it’s certainly possible he misses a few weeks of the regular season. The Browns did sign Tank Carder, who could see a significant workload if Johnson misses time.

With Chris Gocong (Achilles) done for the year and SLB Scott Fujita suspended the first three games, Johnson was ticketed for heavy snaps. It’s a big blow for the Browns. Cleveland is surely scanning the waiver wire for linebacker depth.

With Scott Fujita suspended the first three games, Johnson and Maiava will compete at WILL while Chris Gocong starts at SAM. Maiava is a replacement-level talent and struggled in run defense last season. Athletic and more of a thumper, Johnson should beat out Maiava if he grasps Dick Jauron’s defense.

Johnson could miss up to four weeks and hasn’t been cleared to return to practice. Scott Fujita (leg) “most likely won’t play” Sunday despite having his suspension overturned. Undrafted free agent L.J. Fort is expected to start for the Browns at strongside linebacker.