As the Browns near the end of preseason, the league will see a massive change to everyone’s rosters.
The Browns have quite a few guys playing for roster spots at various positions. So, let’s take a look at who I believe will make the final 53-man roster, and who will be on the out.
Quarterback (3)
I know that the likelihood of the Browns keeping all four QBs is high, but I cannot see a way it makes sense to keep Kenny Pickett on this roster. You don’t cut either of the rookies, and Joe Flacco is our official starter.
Find a team to take Pickett or cut him. He serves no purpose in this Quarterback room, and you cannot convince me otherwise.
Running Back (4)
The two main players who are roster locks at this point are Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. With the uncertainty of Judkins, we cannot fully assume his roster spot yet (although he is the most talented of the two names above him).
That leaves room for at least two more spots.
There is a rumor that the Browns are looking at the trade market for RBs, which wouldn’t be the first time Andrew Berry has done this. But if we are strictly going off of who is on the roster currently, I really like Armani Marshall over Pierre Strong.
Considering Judkins is not on the team, keeping both Strong and Marshall could happen. But if I had to pick one of the two, Marshall impressed me a ton. Good runner, physical in the pass blocking game. I love his game, and being a rookie, I like the youth there.
Wide Receiver (6)
As long as the Browns keep 3 QBs instead of 4, it gives you the ability to keep six receivers. The locks at receiver are in Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.
Jamari Thrash has proven to be ready for a role increase, as he is the projected starting slot receiver, and Isaiah Bond just signed a fully guaranteed contract. He may not get starting reps early, but the Browns clearly like him being given that deal.
That makes four of the six spots.
Gage Larvadain has really shown some promise here and could be a vital piece as a returner and special teams player. Not to mention he’s a solid receiver.
DeAndre Carter is also a lock with his special team’s presence as well, so I believe he makes the roster of Diontae Johnson, who will once again find himself in a unique position after being a pro-bowler just a few seasons ago.
Tight End (3)
This is the easiest room to predict, as David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. will be vital pieces in our offense this season. The Browns also really seem to like Blake Whitehart, who is my choice for the third and final spot at tight end.
Offensive Line (10)
Having almost the entire starting offensive line returning, you can easily predict the first five. Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin, being the seasoned veterans, are a lock no matter what.
Dawand Jones is the presumed starting LT and has gotten his body in shape for the change. This is a make-or-break year for Jones. Then we round out the starters with Pro-Bowler Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic, who has been the starting center the last couple of seasons.
Zak Zinter, going into year two, could see some playing time, knowing this team’s injury history. He was highly regarded last season as a rookie but struggled a bit.
Guys like Cornelius Lucas, a vet who will move around the line on either side of the tackle position, as well as Tevin Jenkins, who can play guard or center. Luke Wypler should make the team being the backup center.
Defensive Line (10)
The for-sure locks of the defensive line revolve around former DPOY Myles Garrett and this year’s fifth overall pick, Mason Graham.
Former Tampa Bay edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka should see a good bit of time on the other side of Garrett, and we can’t forget about Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire, who really came into their own at the end of last season.
Veteran Maliek Collins should be the other starting tackle for the Browns this season, as well as Shelby Harris, who has been a seasoned vet on the defensive line as well.
Mike Hall will eventually get there, but may find himself on IR for the start of the season. His status is unknown at the moment. Don’t be surprised if Sam Kamara and/or Julian Okwara make the team as well.
Linebacker (5)
Leading the way for this group is the rookie, Carson Schwesinger will see the starting Mike position this season. A huge ask for a rookie, but he’s shown he can handle it. Behind him, Jerome Baker, Devin Bush and Mohamoud Diabate will round out the starting rotation. With injuries to Nathaniel Watson and Winston Reid, the Browns will most likely look outside the roster for the final spot, or run with 4 linebackers. Although I highly doubt that will be the case.
Defensive Backs (9)
This is one of the stronger groups on this team, despite losing Martin Emerson to an Achilles injury early in camp. Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome will handle the outside just fine.
Cameron Mitchell should see a ton of work at the Nickel corner spot, and I really believe Myles Harden and Nik Needham should make the team. Just don’t be surprised if Andrew Berry looks outside of the roster for a corner after initial cuts.
Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman will hold down the backend of the DB room, with Rashawn Jenkins and Damontae Kazee filling out the remaining spots. Again, don’t be surprised if Berry looks for depth here, too.
Special Teams (3)
As long as Dustin Hopkins doesn’t choke the last preseason game away, the veteran should be the kicker this season. He will be on a shorter leash, however, due to his struggles last season.
Long-snapper Rex Sunahara will keep his spot, being the only one on the team currently, and Corey Bojorquez will continue to hold down the punter spot, who last year was arguably the most consistent player the Browns had.
These predictions are based on what players the Browns currently have. I do believe Andrew Berry will do some outside searching in certain positions, maybe even with current free agent vets still available.