Chaun

Thompson

He missed over three weeks with a wrist injury. The Browns defense is getting healthier and looking solid heading into the season.

Cleveland hopes to have him back for the final two exhibition games.

Thompson’s value has been all over the map. Right now it’s up. We’ll let you know when that changes.

Rookie D’Qwell Jackson will start in his place.

Rookie D’Qwell Jackson could challenge Thompson, naturally an outside ‘backer, to start in training camp.

It appears the Browns will start Kamerion Wimbley outside as a rookie. If Thompson sticks on the inside, he’ll push second-round pick D’Qwell Jackson for a starting job.

An in-training camp calf injury hurt Thompson’s chances of getting the outright nod over second-round rookie D’Qwell Jackson. Thompson, a former second-rounder himself, will likely help at his natural outside linebacker position during passing downs this season.

Thompson played well at times last season, registering five sacks, but lost his starting job late. With newcomers Kamerion Wimbley and D’Qwell Jackson in the mix, Thompson is all but assured a full-time bench role in 2006, wherever he’s lining up.

Kenard Lang and Matt Stewart started at outside linebacker. Since they’ll rotate on the outside, none of the above are thrilling IDP options.

Williams is the favorite over Chaun Thompson to be Cleveland’s third inside linebacker behind starters D’Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis this season.