The Cleveland Browns bolster linebacker depth with selection of LB Justin Jefferson in sixth round of NFL Draft. Offers special teams versatility.
Three picks after selecting Alabama offensive lineman Parker Brailsford, the Cleveland Browns were on the clock again at pick 149, a pick they acquired on their mid-season trade with the Cincinnati Bengals that send Joe Flacco to their division rival.
General manager Andrew Berry went right back to the Crimson Tide Well, using the selection to draft Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson.
First Look
A Pearl River Community College transfer, Jefferson steadily worked his way into the starting lineup for Alabama over the course of three seasons. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games, making three total starts, paving the way for his role as a full-time starter this past season in what was a bonus year of eligibility after starting his career in JUCO.
Over each of the last two seasons, Jefferson racked up 145 combined tackles, including 13 for a loss. He added five sacks as well. In 2025, he broke up 5 passes, snared his only career interception and forced a fumble.
How He Fits:
Jefferson, a versalite linebacker that can play anywhere on the field, is an excellent fit for the Browns defense in 2026 and beyond. His ability to dominate in coverage should allow him to be a great piece to Cleveland's linebacker rotation early in his career, but in order for him to expand his role, Jefferson must improve as a run defender. However, playing behind the likes of both Quincy Williams and 2025 second-round pick Carson Schwesinger should help his development track.
What They're Saying:
"Really nice scheme fit, first and foremost. We have played with Devin Bush, we signed Quincy Williams, both of those guys are around the same size, really fast, really athletic, so just a real clean vision for how he fits into the scheme. And then when you have guys that can run 4.4 and like to hit, that translates pretty well on special teams. Justin, both on defense and on special teams, will have a nice role."
- Adam Al-Khayyal, Browns Director of Player Peronnel
Who Else Was Available:
Some of the top names on the boars included Arizona State CB Keith Abney II, a position that still could use some depth for Cleveland. With speculation swirling over whether or not Cleveland would look to add a QB, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier still remained. Other notable names included Texas Tech TE Tanner Koziol and Indiana's Riley Nowakowski.
Final Word:
Every year when the NFL Draft arrives, the Browns are seemingly looking to add linebacker talent. Jefferson should provide some valuable depth at one of the team's thinner position groups. With 4.5 forty speed, Jefferson will be able to play fast in Mike Rutenberg's defense and pack a punch.
One thing that should help his case for making the roster is that during his first season at Alabama, he saw most of his playing time on special teams. Players taken this late in the draft often secure roster spots by having the diversity to play on those units.
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