The Cleveland Browns have high hopes for the upcoming season with a good variety of veteran players and young guys. Greg Newsome II was the team’s top pick in the 2021 NFL draft while Anthony Walker was brought in for his veteran presence as well as play on the field.
For Newsome, stepping into a team with lofty goals can be overwhelming. Add that to the normal adjustments to the NFL and all that comes with it and it is clear why veteran leadership can be important.
For Newsome, he has found that leadership in Walker. While the two play different positions, the veteran linebacker has been a daily support for the rookie cornerback. Newsome even categorized Walker as a big brother:
#Browns Greg Newsome II on Anthony Walker: “He’s been the best big brother…I’m talking to him every single day, learning.”
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 28, 2021
That shouldn’t come as a surprise as Walker’s leadership has impressed many including his former All-Pro teammate Darius Leonard:
Amazing player man, he does everything the right way! It sucks that he’s leaving but Cleveland is gaining a Dawg! He’s a great leader and he’s going to lead your defense to be great! I will truly miss him! I give him a lot of credit for my success! I wouldn’t be me without him!
— Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) March 19, 2021
For the Browns to reach their lofty goals, Newsome will have to adjust to the NFL quickly and Walker will need to play a big role at linebacker. For now, as training camp kicks off, Walker is playing a big role in Newsome’s life to prepare him to help Cleveland as quickly as possible.