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Jacksonville Jaguars draft spotlight: LB Baron Browning

By Karley Sibert

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Linebacker Baron Browning #55 from Ohio State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: Linebacker Baron Browning #55 from Ohio State of the National Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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The 2021 NFL Draft linebacker class is an interesting one. The Jacksonville Jaguars crucially need to add depth to their defense through the draft and snagging a linebacker on day two could be just the sweet spot for them to do so. Baron Browning out of Ohio State is an interesting linebacker prospect whose name has not been discussed enough in the pre-draft process.

Jaguars could benefit from Baron Browning’s versatility

Baron Browning was a five-star recruit and number one ranked linebacker coming out of high school according to 247 sports, so you could say he’s been on the NFL’s radar for some time now. He didn’t put up a ton of numbers during his time at Ohio State but had an incredibly promising 2019 season. He wasn’t quite able to match those stats during his 2020 season but was able to consistently spread his stats amongst the seven games he did play (thanks to COVID-19 implications).

Browning would be a suitable draft selection for the Jaguars on day two of the draft. They could use someone who is as versatile as Browning. “Browning aligned both inside and outside as an off-ball linebacker, as well as on the line of scrimmage as a rush linebacker,” as noted by Chris Pflum at Big Blue View. He can play weak-side, strong-side, or in the middle.

Browning has certainly put himself on the map as an interesting linebacker prospect. He’s big, rangy, and athletic. He’s incredibly versatile and has good discipline and character. Ian Cummings at Pro Football Network discusses Browning’s biggest weakness as his consistency against the run. He writes, “Browning’s main issues stem from his consistency. In run defense, he sometimes prematurely commits to the inside. There, he can get caught up in congestion, leaving the outside open for runners to break free.”

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But there are more positives than negatives to Browning’s game. He could very well end up proving himself more valuable than where he gets drafted. The Jaguars currently have Joe Schobert in the middle and Myles Jack on the weak-side. Browning would be an exciting player to add to the mix for competition on the strong-side.

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