Browns Cut OT Kellen Diesch with Failed Physical Designation

The Cleveland Browns announced they have released offensive tackle Kellen Diesch with a failed physical designation.

The Cleveland Browns have have announced the release of offensive tackle Kellen Diesch with a failed physical designation. Diesch was claimed off of waivers when the Pittsburgh Steelers waived him only days earlier.

The Browns took a flyer on Diesch on May 14th. In exchange, they released kicker, Lucas Havrisik, one of three that were on the active roster. Dustin Hopkins and Cade York remain on the team's roster.

Diesch, a 6'7" 300 pound tackle was not selected during the 2022 draft, signing an undrafted rookie deal with the Miami Dolphins afterward. A terrific athlete, Diesch ran a 4.89 40-yard dash, posted a 32.5" vertical and 9'2" broad jump, outstanding numbers for his size. His agility was good too. However, Diesch had curiously short arms for his height at only 32 3/8". His vertical jump covers more ground than his arms as an offensive tackle, which is atypical.

Diesch has spent time with teams like Dolphins, Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent last season on the practice squad of the Steelers and signed a reserves/futures contract to be part of their offseason program before waiving him earlier in the week. The Browns would have been his fifth team. The reason people keep looking at him is because of his size and athleticism. If Diesch is able to get healthy enough to pass a physical, there will be a team that is interested in taking a look at him.

For now, the Browns will look elsewhere and have an open roster spot. They could theoretically bring back Havrisik to deal with their newfound kicking shortfall. Teams never know when they could need three. More likely, the Browns will look to bring in another position player.

The Browns have a few positions that might benefit from additional competition including linebacker and tight end. Perhaps even safety. However, the Browns may simply look to add the best possible option to increase the competition on their roster. One of the reason Diesch made sense is the team is currently going through organized team activities and are being patient with the recoveries of tackles Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills and Dawand Jones. All three tackles are coming off of season-ending injuries. Until those players are cleared to begin working on the field, it makes sense to give new offensive line coach Andy Dickerson more players to work with, potentially finding someone they really like.

The team signed undrafted rookie Lorenzo Thompson out of Rhode Island and added Ray Mbaeteka as part of the NFL's International Pathway program. Both participated in the team's recent rookie minicamp. Nigerian born, Mbaeteka didn't play in high school or college, but the Browns are already his third team. He started his career as part of the International Pathway Program in 2022 with the New York Giants. He was on their practice squad that year. He repeated that process in Chicago with the Bears. Now, 24 the 6'8" 315 pound tackle hopes to start gaining traction with the Browns.