Browns Projected 53 Man Roster
By Brandon Lee
As the Cleveland Browns wrapped up training camp and are set to gear up for their third preseason game, I predict the Browns 53 man roster, describing why some players make it and why others don’t.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
Tyrod Taylor
Baker Mayfield
Drew Stanton
Missed the Cut - Brogan Roback
Taylor commands the starting position, the first overall pick Baker Mayfield has shined, and Stanton’s experience and leadership wraps up the quarterback spot. Undrafted free agent Brogan Roback has yet to take a snap in a preseason game and bearing an injury will not make the cut.
Running Back (4)
Carlos Hyde
Duke Johnson
Nick Chubb
Dan Vitale
Missed the Cut - Matthew Dayes, Dontrell Hillard
Hyde shined in the second preseason game, displaying his ability out of the backfield. We all know what Johnson is capable and rookie Nick Chubb has flashed immense talent throughout the offseason. Dayes was on the team last year and could sneak on if he shines on special teams or the team decides not to keep a fullback. Vitale has been the teams fullback the past 2 years but it’s up to Todd Haley whether he sticks around.
Wide Receiver (6)
Jarvis Landry
Josh Gordon
Antonio Callaway
Rashard Higgins
Damion Ratley
Jeff Janis
Missed the Cut - C.J. Board, Derek Willies, Evan Berry, Da’Mari Scott, Blake Jackson
A position group which was unimpressive last season was revamped by the addition of Jarvis Landry and the return of Josh Gordon. Callaway has flashed skills, Higgins has stepped his game up, and the 6’3 Ratley is very capable. Janis makes the team simply due to special teams contributions but is not a lock. C.J. Board has been solid throughout camp and could sneak on the roster or the practice team. Da’Mari Scott could be another practice squad player.
Tight End (4)
David Njoku
Darren Fells
Seth Devalve
Devon Cajuste
Missed the Cut - Orson Charles, Stephen Baggett
Njoku is the young talent, while Fells is the witty veteran. Devalve has showcased the ability to be a passing threat but a quadricepts injury has kept him from playing so far. Cajuste sneaks in here due to his special teams ability and Devalves injuries.
Offensive Lineman (9)
Joel Bitonio
Austin Corbett
J.C. Tretter
Kevin Zeitler
Chris Hubbard
Desmond Harrison
Spencer Drango
Austin Reiter
Shon Coleman
Missed the Cut - Greg Robinson, Christian DiLauro, Kevin Bowen, Avery Gennesy, Fred Lauina, Geoff Gray, Anothony Fabino
No real surprises to this group other then undrafted free agent Desmond Harrison, a left tackle who has shined all offseason. Shon Coleman, who was demoted to the second team early in camp, makes it over Greg Robinson due to versatility but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns traded Coleman and kept Robinson.
Defensive Lineman (9)
Myles Garrett
Larry Ogunjobi
Trevon Coley
Emmanuel Ogbah
Chris Smith
Chad Thomas
Caleb Brantley
Jamie Meder
Carl Nassib
Missed the Cut - Nate Orchard, Marcell Frazier, Lenny Jones, Jeremy Faulk, Blaine Woodson, Zaycoven Henderson, Daniel Ekuale
Despite being featured on Hard Knocks, Nate Orchard misses the cut due to veteran Chris Smith and rookie Chad Thomas. Nassib is capable and earns a spot due to potential and more proven ability then Orchard. Jeremy Faulk could be the surpise defensive tackle to make it but Ogunjobi, Coley, and Brantley are so youthful and talented and Meder has been around so long that it would be shocking for Faulk to make it.
Linebacker (6)
Jamie Collins
Christian Kirksey
Joe Schobert
Mychal Kendricks
Genard Avery
James Burgess
Missed the Cut - Justin Currie, B.J. Bello, Jermaine Grace, Brady Sheldon
After bulking up and switching from a saftey to a linebacker, Currie just misses out as rookie Genard Avery and utility man James Burgess make it over him. The other 4 are guarentees and will all see the field plenty.
Cornerback (5)
Denzel Ward
Terrance Mitchell
T.J. Carrie
E.J. Gaines
Simeon Thomas
Missed the Cut - Jeremiah McKinnon, Mike Jordan, Denzel Rice, Christian Boutte.
Despite an injury which will sideline him for 3 weeks, E.J. Gaines makes it due to past experience and his proven ability. Rookie Simeon Thomas makes the team with his 6’3 frame. Jeremiah McKinnon has impressed this offseason as well and could find himself on the practice squad. The team truly has 6 corners as Briean Boddy-Calhoun is more then capable to command a spot here but is listed as a saftey for now.
Saftey (4)
Damarious Randall
Jabrill Peppers
Derrick Kindred
Briean Boddy-Calhoun
Missed the Cut - Derron Smith, Elijah Campbell, Tigle Sankoh, Montrel Meander
Randall, Peppers, and Kindred are guarentees, and Calhoun will make the team 100%, but whether it is as a saftey or a cornerback is unknown. Either way, the Browns secondary will be much improved this season.
Special Teams (3)
Britton Colquitt
Zane Gonzalez
Charley Hughlett
Missed the Cut - Justin Vogel, Ross Martin
Colquitt has been solid the past 2 years with the Browns and Hughlett is a lock to be the teams long snapper. Gonzalez improved last season and gets the nod with his booming leg.