Cleveland, Ohio — The list of defensive players who had breakout seasons — or near breakout seasons — under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is vast, but the man who benefited the most from Schwartz’s strategy plays a position that Schwartz’s philosophy, at first glance, minimises.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah not only played like the man the Browns traded up to draft in the second round in 2021, but also like the player they indicated they would have chosen with their first-round pick that year. He lived up to the superlatives that followed him out of Notre Dame, such as when NFL.com’s Lance Zeirlein said, “It’s difficult to see Owusu-Koramoah’s explosive qualities, versatility, and playmaking skills on exhibit and not be thrilled about what is to come.”
His first two seasons with the Browns were erratic, as he battled injuries and struggled to find the right playing weight and body type to maintain his explosiveness while yet holding up in the NFL.
It clicked in 2023, and Owusu-Koramoah is expected to take another step forward this season, and with free agency approaching and the possibility of a contract extension, he may become very wealthy very quickly.
In this series leading up to Browns training camp, we’ve identified 15 keys to a Super Bowl run this season, whether it’s a player, a coach, or an issue like all the incredible quarterbacks they’ll face.
Why did Owusu-Koramoah make the list?
Schwartz refers to his defensive line as the engine, while cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch refers to his group as the tip of the spear on defence. It’s easy to overlook linebackers, but they are the brains of the operation.
While the defensive line creates havoc, linebackers read, react, and make plays, and Owusu-Koramoah excelled in that area last season. He scored career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits, and even interceptions on his first two passes. He played more defensive snaps than in any previous season. Last season, he had the fourth-most tackles for loss in the league (20).
His role will grow this season, and Schwartz will rely on the 24-year-old Owusu-Koramoah to continue making dramatic plays in the backfield and elsewhere.
Key Owusu-koramoah Owusu-Koramoah played every defensive snap in the Browns’ wild card loss to Houston and over 85% of the team’s defensive snaps in five of his final six regular season games. The only exception was the Browns’ Christmas Eve blowout win in Houston, when starters were rested for a Thursday night game.
Key Owusu-Koramoah Quotes
“You’ll see Jeremiah in some third-down roles. It is time for him to stop leaving the pitch for us. It will be a bit more of a challenge for him, but he is ready for it and is an important player for us. And I’ve been quite proud of his improvement. – Schwartz discusses Owusu-Koramoah’s role, December 21, 2023
Owusu-Koramoah’s keys to becoming a key
This season, the linebackers’ room looks different. The group’s leader, Anthony Walker Jr., has signed with Miami. Sione Takitaki, who had grown into a green sticker person, departed for New England.
The Browns signed veteran Jordan Hicks from Minnesota, but this is Owusu-Koramoah’s show. He seldom leaves the field, and he’s a key player on a defence that relies on applying pressure and causing turnovers. If the Browns defence repeats its performance from last year, Owusu-Koramoah won’t be far behind.
What’s New for Owusu-Koramoah in 2024?
It’s more about picking up where he left off than anything fresh.
“Each year is a growth, with experiences, with time, with meeting new coaches, meeting new players, there’s always something that you’re learning from,” Owusu-Koramoah said at minicamp. “There’s always something to develop from. So I believe we grow by 1% per year, or even every day. So I believe that the longer you stay here, the more intensely you devote your time, the more you will grow.”
