When the Cleveland Browns traded Demario Davis before the 2017 season, no one knew who who would be his replacement at middle linebacker, and Joe Schobert was not expected to be the guy.
After a solid training camp, longtime special teams captain Tank Carder seemed to be in line for the starting duties. Carder then tore his ACL right before the season, leaving the middle linebacker job unsettled.
The then second-year player, Schobert, stepped into the role after playing on the edge during his rookie season. With a defense full of young players, no one knew if Schobert would be able to the signal caller on the field for the defense in his first at the position.