Tag: Mohamoud Diabate

Former undrafted linebacker stepping up for Browns when needed the most

Mohamoud Diabate has taken a leap in year-two with the Browns

Former undrafted linebacker Mohamoud Diabate has started two games for the Cleveland Browns in 2024 and is expected to play a larger role going forward with injuries to fellow linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Hicks.

Diabate played just 26 defensive snaps in his rookie season a year ago but has flown around in his 133 snaps in 2024. For what it’s worth, his PFF grade this season is 78.8 overall and 88.7 against the run, both above-average marks. Those grades do not tell the whole story, but they are a nice indicator to back up what the film has been showing on the young backer.

Initially securing a roster spot for his special teams contributions, Diabate has capitalized on his expanded defensive role this season. Devin Bush will likely get more playing time alongside Diabate, along with undrafted rookie Winston Reid and sixth-round pick Nathaniel Watson.

With Hicks and Owusu-Koramoah sidelined the Browns have a valuable opportunity to further evaluate Diabate and consider his potential impact for the future.

Browns LB Mohamoud Diabate exits Cowboys game with hip injury

Cleveland Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate exited the game against the Dallas Cowboys with a hip injury. He will not return.

Cleveland Browns backup linebacker and special teams ace Mohamoud Diabate exited the game against the Dallas Cowboys. The linebacker suffered a hip injury and he did not return.

Diabate is a former undrafted free agent entering his second year with the Browns. Diabate excels at hitting blockers and chasing runners. It is what makes him such a good special teams player so early in his career.

The Browns struggled mightily against the Cowboys on Sunday. The special teams units are one of the main culprits behind the 27-10 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The punting unit looked undisciplined and slow when defending against punt returns. Cowboys’ returner KaVontae Turpin returned a punt for a touchdown at the start of the third quarter.

The Browns are trying their best to battle back against the Cowboys. However, after losing tight end David Njoku. The Browns must do what they can to finish the game healthy.  The Browns are best off licking their wounds during the week and focusing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 2.

After making Browns roster, LB Mohamoud Diabate wants to continue to prove himself

The young linebacker has enjoyed his time in Cleveland so far

Even though linebacker Mohamoud Diabate wasn’t selected in April’s draft, he has played his way onto the Cleveland Browns’ 53-man roster. He was asked about making the roster as an undrafted rookie and he talked about being happy making the roster and enjoying his time in Cleveland.

Linebackers coach Jason Tarver has shown a knack for getting the most out of his players and so far has done that with the Utah product. Diabate said the coaching staff and the facility in Cleveland have all been positives for him.

It’ll be interesting to see how he grows during the season. He has displayed range playing sideline to sideline, and if the team needs him to step in temporarily he should be a serviceable depth piece as he continues to develop. He also should be able to make an impact on special teams right away.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Podcast: Breaking down the Browns initial 53-man roster and future changes

How does the Browns 53-man roster stack up?

The initial 53-man roster is here for your Cleveland Browns as the regular season draws closer and closer. Though there will be some changes after players are moved to IR and waiver claims are processed most of the roster is locked in.

What was the biggest surprise from this roster, the fact they kept 11 defensive backs or that they moved on from Michael Dunn? Of course, there’s reason to believe that Dunn and hopefully Maurice Hurst will return to the roster.

In this podcast, we discuss all of this and more looking at how we think each room is constructed and why this is the best Browns roster of our lifetime. We also talk about the kicker one more time in hopes that the trade for Dustin Hopkins finally brings some stability there for the team.

You can watch this week’s video by clicking here to hear us go into detail on these topics and more.

https://www.youtube.com/live/h-qyqH4cnwQ?si=XiXHNR6rWMiHbcCs

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Two undrafted free agent rookies win roster spots on initial 53-man roster

These two have earned their roster spots

For the second straight year, the Cleveland Browns will have a rookie undrafted free agent make the initial roster as cutdowns continue on Tuesdays according to reports. Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate has looked like he belonged from the second he arrived in Berea. Former Ohio State safety undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman Jr. has also made the team.

Diabate has shown great range moving sideline to sideline and attacking well downhill against the run. He also has the versatility to be a weapon as a blitzing pass rusher. Overall Diabate has shown that he has the skill set to play on Sundays and earned his roster spot.

Hickman has also shown that he belongs. He has been around the ball on nearly every snap this preseason as a guy who’s always in the right spot at the right time. He showed the ability to track the ball in the air and bully wide receivers with his size and physicality.

Keep checking here on Browns Wire as we update you on all the moves of cutdown day.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

PFF’s 10 highest-graded defensive players vs. Chiefs

The starters showed plenty to be excited about

When the defensive starters were on the field for the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City against the Chiefs, they gave fans plenty to look forward to. It started with former Chief Juan Thornhill breaking perfectly on a pass and returning it for a pick-six. Granted that wasn’t against Patrick Mahomes but it was still something nice to see from Thornhill.

The defensive line, again without Myles Garrett, showed exactly why some people think they can be a top-flight unit. All in all, there was plenty to like from the Browns and this is who stood out the most according to PFF in Saturday’s preseason finale.

5 players to watch in the preseason finale vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Which players need to perform the best on Saturday?

It has been a fun preseason for the Cleveland Browns who have already played three having beat the New York Jets in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game. The team still lacks a lot of answers at the running back position behind Nick Chubb. Jordan Wilkins has the best chance to earn a roster spot in Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs as the team searches for playable running backs.

The linebacker room has the most questions with young players and special teams contributors. Could the Browns keep multiple undrafted free agents to make the final 53-man roster?

Here’s a look at the five players with the most to gain from a positive appearance in the final preseason game.

https://www.youtube.com/live/R39_OEdUBcY?si=TSogMySXepFN4X43

 

Browns: 5 players who have earned roster spots in the preseason

These five players have shown they should make the final roster

Each year there are players that perform in both training camp and the preseason that you don’t always expect. The roster of the Cleveland Browns has come a long way since Andrew Berry took over as general manager as he will have some tough decisions to make come cut downs. The wide receiver room went from lacking talent to having talent in the group that will likely not make the roster as Austin Watkins Jr. continues his surge.

There have been some impressive performances on both sides of the ball from players that weren’t expected to perform as well as they have. These five players have been impressive so far and deserve to make the team’s final 53-man roster.

Upon Further Review: All-22 observations and standouts from tie vs. Eagles

The all-22 has been consumed. What stood out?

This Upon Further Review, which will highlight players like offensive guard Michael Dunn and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate will take a look at all-22 observations from Thursday’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Browns now enter their last preseason matchup before they have to cut down their roster from 90 to 53. The starters will play about 20-to-25 snaps in this game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before we cover that, however, let’s take one last look at the tape between the Browns and Eagles before turning the page to the Chiefs. And for the sake of furthering other conversations, we will refrain from talking about Austin Watkins. You can find information on his work and how that leaves the wide receiver room here.

Podcast: Which Browns stood out and who struggled vs the Eagles?

Who helped their stock and who hurt it on Thursday night?

The Cleveland Browns have their third preseason game in the books as they tied the Eagles 18-18 on Thursday night. Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr continues his great preseason as he made play after play. He showed great body control to adjust to the ball in the air to go along with nice physicality and route running.

Add Cedric Tillman to the mix and the team has some really tough decisions to make at the position. Another young player making a statement is linebacker Mohamoud Diabate who plays with great range and physicality and his athleticism makes for a good coverage linebacker as well.

The struggles of Cade York continue as he isn’t showing any signs that he is figuring something out. He continues to push the ball right and after getting a second chance at a game-winner he way overcorrected missing it wide left.

We go over these players in more detail in this week’s episode which you can watch by clicking here.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]