Deserved Cleveland Browns opportunity for USC LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold

In terms of a more joyful, upbeat, positive presence, there aren't too many people who more so exemplify those traits than Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. He spent his final year with USC after playing for Oregon State. He undoubtedly had a major impact on the program during his time with the Trojans.

The linebacker signed an undrafted free agent agreement with the Cleveland Browns, as shared by Rivals' BeaversEdge.com writer Ryan Harlan on X. Among a number of defensive players who have found an NFL team since the draft, the LB's addition to that list only further shows how USC sets their athletes up for success once leaving campus.

He will join a linebacking corps that includes Jordan Hicks, Devin Bush, and fellow rookie Carson Schwesinger. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could potentially make a return this season as well, although he is dealing with a neck injury. His status is unknown as a result of that continued setback.

Even so, knowing how competitive Mascarenas-Arnold is and what he can bring to the defensive unit, he'll be able to not only earn a spot on the final 53-man roster but also see significant snaps once the season begins. Although he'll be part of a team that will look to improve their latest 3-14 record in the AFC North.

A lot to like for the Browns from the former USC LB

While with the Trojans, Mascarenas-Arnold showed his big-play potential as a starter. He has a knack for being able to read every given play and make a tackle as the action develops in front of him. His discipline and ability to finish the down with a thump were likely strong traits that led to the Browns picking him up as an UDFA.

An underrated part of his game is his ball skills. While linebackers are often notorious for dropping sure-fire interceptions, he ended 2024 with five picks. A couple of those INTs came off a deflection or quick reflexes. Being as the number one aim for a defender is to give the ball back to the offense, this is something that Cleveland will hope to continue to see from the now-former Trojan.