The Cleveland Browns are having another eventful offseason of trades as they have now moved another solid defend off the team. In a very surprising move, the Browns traded away top sack man in outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders. It hasn’t been disclosed what the draft pick compensation will be in the trade so it’s hard to know what the Browns got from this deal.
Wimbley, the No. 13 overall pick in 2006, is only 26 years old and led the Browns with six and a half sacks last season. In his rookie year, he posted eleven sacks and is known for is ability to create disruption.
While this move was a questionable from the Browns’ end, it should be a very nice upgrade for the Raiders as they will now have a linebacker that can create more pressure off the edge. Wimbley will probably do a better job against the run as he will now have an extra man on the front line (Browns run a 3-4, Raiders run a 4-3) to help shred off offensive lineman.
For the Browns, I’m concerned about the amount of good players they are getting rid of once again. Last year they traded off key offensive weapons like tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards.
Now, they have traded off good veterans like defensive tackle Corey Williams (Lions) and now Wimbley. This organization is going to have to win with a great running game and shut down defense.
In a 3-4 style defense, you need to be strong at the defensive tackle position, and you need lots of quality linebackers to rotate. This team needs all the help it can get, and I’m not sure how trading away respectable players is going to make you a winner.
That said the Browns do have some quality depth at outside linebacker, and they should get production from those players.
NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com