Browns trade up to end Owusu-Koramoah's slide in 2nd round

The Cleveland Browns traded up to select linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out of Notre Dame 52nd overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Cleveland sent its second and third-round selection to the Carolina Panthers for their second and fourth-round picks.

Owusu-Koramoah was widely projected to go in the first round leading up to the draft but ended up falling to the second round. The 21-year-old brings an immense amount of athleticism and coverage ability. Owusu-Koramoah put up 24.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks during his collegiate career.

The Browns let linebacker B.J. Goodson walk in free agency, and Owusu-Koramoah may fill his void.

Cleveland has focused on its defense during the early portions of the draft, previously adding cornerback Greg Newsome II in the first round.

Draft profile

Key stats: 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT

Owusu-Koramoah will face questions about his size at the next level, and there's no doubt his game could benefit from adding some strength to his frame. But everything about his skill set screams potential star. The Notre Dame product is an athletic freak who can be used all over the field, either chasing down run plays sideline-to-sideline or making his presence felt in coverage. While he may not play over the slot as often as he did in college, a linebacker taking that role tells you everything you need to know about his rare movement skills. Owusu-Koramoah could be the answer to the athletes dominating the league from the tight end position.