Anthony Walker

The Browns needed to get better at linebacker entering 2021, and Walker gave them exactly what was needed. After being a leader on the Colts' defense for the previous four seasons, Walker became Cleveland's defensive signal caller and led the team with 113 tackles while averaging a career-best 8.7 tackles per game. Re-signing him to a one-year deal was a no brainer.

Walker joins the Browns after three seasons in Indianapolis, where he fell below 100 tackles in 2020 for the first time in three seasons. Cleveland needed help at linebacker, an area of weakness, and Walker will get a chance to start at middle linebacker in the team's 4-3 scheme. Given health and a full season as a starter, Walker should log north of 800 snaps.

Walker's ceiling is probably capped due to his special teams work, as well as the presence of third linebacker Bobby Okereke pushing for 500 or so snaps. Walker only needs about 800 snaps to provide solid LB2 value, pacing for about 120 tackles over such a sample in the last two years. That's consistent with his collegiate production - not many players accumulate 20 tackles for loss in a season, but Walker posted 20.5 on 120 tackles for Northwestern in 2015. Walker's disruptiveness could show up a bit more yet with DeForest Buckner added to an improved Indianapolis front four

Walker was overshadowed by 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Darius Leonard, but the second-year pro put together an outstanding season in his own right, registering 105 tackles, four passes defended, one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery in his first season as a starter. The 242-pound thumper will reprise his starting middle linebacker role this season and should be in consideration in deeper IDP leagues.

Walker is slated to be the team's starting middle linebacker after working in a reserve setting during his rookie campaign. He made 22 tackles in that role, but his potential as a starter is still a question mark. Consider him a wait-and-see in IDP leagues.