Browns linebacker JOK better than OK after rookie breakout

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — All NFL rookies make mistakes, some more than others. Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had his fair share last season.

And, several turned into highlights.

The Browns wouldn't object to seeing them again.

“As long as you make them at 100 miles an hour, right?" Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said before Friday's practice. "He's a player who plays sometimes at a frenetic pace. We have tried to make him understand that you can make plays within the framework of the defense, and every once in a while, he will make those extraordinary plays.”

Owusu-Koramoah was a major bright spot in an otherwise lusterless 2021 season for the Browns, who went 8-9 and fell way short of huge expectations while ensnared in needless drama.

The speedy second-round pick from Notre Dame started 10 games, played in 14 and finished with 76 tackles (49 solo), 1 1/2 sacks and forced two fumbles. The Browns lined him up all over the field — outside and inside the offensive tackles, even in the slot.

But what really stood about Owusu-Koramoah, known simply as JOK to fans, was his unique ability to close on the football.

“Very explosive,” defensive coordinator Joe Woods said of Owusu-Koramoah, listed at 6-foot-2, 221 pounds. "When he puts his foot in the ground he can go from point A to B — right now. So his ability to match up in coverage, his ability to make plays in space is unique.”

Because he was enamored of that closing speed, and the potential for Owsusu-Koramoah to cover tight ends and running backs, general manager Andrew Berry traded up in the 2021 draft to get him. It appears to be a wise move.

Owsusu-Koramoah is a versatile weapon for Woods, who didn't hesitate in throwing concepts and other challenges at the