Why the Browns need Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to make another leap to win the Super Bowl
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The list of defensive players who had breakout seasons — or near breakout seasons — under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is long but the player who benefitted the most from Schwartz’s scheme plays a position Schwartz’s scheme, at least on the surface, minimizes.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah didn’t just play like the player the Browns moved up to draft in the second round in 2021 but the player they said they would have selected with their first-round pick that draft. He lived up to the superlatives that followed him out of Notre Dame, like
when NFL.com’s Lance Zeirlein wrote, “It’s hard to see Owusu-Koramoah’s explosive traits, versatility and playmaking ability on display and not get excited about what is to come.”
His first two years with the Browns were inconsistent as he battled injuries and struggled to find the ideal playing weight and body type to keep his explosiveness and still hold up in the NFL.
It clicked in 2023 and Owusu-Koramoah stands to take another step forward this season and, with free agency looming and eligible for a contract extension, could become very rich very soon.
In this series leading up to Browns training camp, we’ve identified 15 keys to them making a run at the Super Bowl this season, whether it be a player, a coach, or an issue such as all the amazing quarterbacks they’ll face this season.
Why Owusu-Koramoah made the list
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was fourth in the league in tackles for loss in 2023.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Schwartz likes to call his defensive line the engine and cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch calls his group the tip of the spear on defense, so it’s easy to forget about linebackers, but they are the brains of the operation.
While the defensive line causes chaos, the linebackers read and react and go make plays and Owusu-Koramoah shined in that regard last season. He set career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits and even intercepted his first two passes. He played more defensive snaps than he had in any season. His 20 tackles for loss were the fourth most in the league last year.
His role will increase this season and Schwartz will rely on the 24-year-old Owusu-Koramoah to continue to make dynamic plays in the backfield — and everywhere else — this season.
Key Owusu-Koramoah Fact
Owusu-Koramoah played every defensive snap in the Browns’ wild card loss to Houston and played more than 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 they rested starters late ahead of a Thursday night game.
Key Owusu-Koramoah Quote
“You’re going to see Jeremiah in some of those third down roles. It’s time for him not to leave the field for us. … It’s going to be a little bit more ask of him, but he’s up for it and he’s an impact player for us. And I’ve been really proud of the progress that he’s made.” – Schwartz on Owusu-Koramoah’s role, December 21, 2023
