The Cleveland Browns are done with OTAs and preparing for mandatory minicamp. As they get ready for the next phase of their offseason, we look ahead to Week 1 with our latest 53-man roster prediction.
It's tougher than ever to decide who will be on the roster, which is a testament to the work Andrew Berry has done. That's why he recently received a long-term extension, as did head coach Kevin Stefanksi. Now let's see what their roster could look like as they try and make it to the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Quarterback (3):
Deshan Watson
Jameis Winston
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Deshaun Watson is the unquestioned starter and Jameis Winston is the No. 2 this year. Winston has done well in OTAs and can move the chains if needed. Having said that, the Browns want to see him on the sideline all year since that would mean Watson stayed healthy.
The only way this group changes is if Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't healthy by Week 1. DTR was exciting to watch as a rookie during the preseason but struggled during the year. He was progressing but a hip injury ended his campaign early.
Information on his hip has been limited but he says he's fine. If so, the Browns will keep him and release Tyler Huntley.
Running Back (4):
D'Onta Foreman
Jerome Ford
Nyheim Hines
Nick Chubb
There's a pleasant surprise here with Nick Chubb on the 53-man roster. His recent appearance at camp and the team's charity golf tournament suggests he's inching closer to a return. He might not be the starter in Week 1, but he avoids the PUP which would have cost him at least six games.
D'Onta Foreman, Jerome Ford, and Nyheim Hines carry the load until he returns. Pierre Strong, Jr. doesn't make it but he would be welcomed back to the practice squad if he cleared waivers.
Wide Receiver (5):
Amari Cooper
Jerry Jeudy
Elijah Moore
Cedric Tillman
Jamari Thrash
As good as Andrew Berry has been, he's had one area of concern — drafting wide receivers. Berry has used a lot of capital at the position with very little return. Thankfully, he hit a home run in his trade for Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore was a solid addition as well. Now, Jerry Jeudy joins the ranks, giving them three capable wideouts.
Cleveland goes with just five this year, keeping Cedric Tillman and rookie Jamari Thrash. David Bell is the odd man out as Berry gives up on him after just two seasons.
Tight End (3):
David Njoku
Jordan Akins
Giovanni Ricci
David Njoku had a breakout campaign in 2023 with 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns. He's been good throughout his career but exceeded all expectations. Jordan Akins was the No. 2 tight end in 2023 and left a ot to be desired. Perhaps he improves with Harriosn Bryant gone.
Third on the depth chart is Giovanni Ricci, a free-agent addition from the Carolina Panthers. He plays fullback and tight end, giving them some versatility on offense.
Offensive Line (10):
Jedrick Wills
Joel Bitonio
Ethan Pocic
Wyatt Teller
Jack Conklin
Dawand Jones
Hakeem Adeniji
Luke Wypler
Zak Zinter
Javion Cohen
When healthy, the Browns offensive line is as capable as any in the league. The problem is that they've struggled to stay healthy as of late.
2023 was especially rough with Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills, and Dawand Jones all heading to the IR. This year, they're hoping for better luck but also added some depth with third-round pick Zak Zinter and undrafted free agent Javion Cohen. In this prediction, Cohen makes the team, edging out Michael Dunn.
Defensive Line (9):
Myles Garrett
Shelby Harris
Dalvin Tomlinson
Za'Darius Smith
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Alex Wright
Maurice Hurst
Michael Hall, Jr.
Quinton Jefferson
The strength of this team lies in their defense and the tone is set by the big guys up front. Myles Garett and Za'Darius Smith have been two of the top pass-rushers over the past several seasons and Garrett is coming off his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign. They're joined by Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, which is an impressive starting line.
Cleveland isn't just strong with their starters either. Alex Wright quietly put up five sacks while Ogbo Okoronkwo had 4.5 last year. They also have Maurice Hurst, Quinton Jefferson, and second-round pick Michael Hall, Jr. as their reserves at D-tackle. They're so deep that Siaki Ika, a third-round pick from 2023, is unable to crack the lineup.
Linebacker (6):
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Jordan Hicks
Devin Bush
Tony Fields II
Nathaniel Watson
Mohamoud Diabate
The Browns go with six linebackers, but it was tempting to stick with just five to go deep elsewhere. Their starting three are set with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah being joined by free-agent additions Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush. On the bench, Tony Fields II is a special teams weapon who has stepped up every time he's played in the base defense.
Nathaniel Watson makes the team as a sixth-round pick and there should be a role for the throwback player. Last is Mohamoud Diabate, an undrafted rookie from 2023. He's the one on the bubble, so if they go deep at another position, he could be let go with the intention being to re-sign him to the practice squad.
Cornerback (5):
Denzel Ward
Martin Emerson
Greg Newsome II
Cameron Mitchell
Tony Brown
Cornerback is another strength for Cleveland with three players capable of going up against any wideout in the NFL. Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome are building blocks but the depth behind them is also impressive.
Cameron Mitchell proved he could play last year and makes it in this prediction as the fourth corner. The final spot will be hard to figure out. Tony Brown edges out Justin Hardee, although they're both in Cleveland due to their special teams play. Myles Harden is the toughest cut and might be able to do enough in the preseason to make the team. That could lead to the linebacking corps being cut down to five.
Safety (5):
Juan Thornhill
Grant Delpit
Rodney McLeod
Ronnie Hickman
D'Anthony Bell
Juan Thornhill didn't live up to expectations during his first season in Cleveland but he wasn't as bad as social media believes. Grant Delpit thrived under Jim Schwartz and landed a much-deserved extension late in the year. He was injured the same day which is unfortunate but his future is bright.
It appeared Rodney McLeod would be one-and-done but he signed for another season, which will be his last. Both Ronnie Hickman and D'Anthony Bell rose to the occasion when called upon last year, giving the Browns five safeties they trust.
Specialists (3):
Dustin Hopkins
Corey Bojorquez
Charley Hughlett
Dustin Hopkins was nearly automatic in 2023 after being traded to Cleveland by the L.A. Chargers. He ended the season on the IR, but as long as he's healthy, he's the placekicker.
Corey Bojorquez was re-signed in the offseason after proving to be a weapon last year. The Browns won several games thanks to their defense but the punter was a huge part of this as well as he flipped field position with ease.
The final specialist is Charley Hughlett, the long snapper. It's a thankless job and he's so good at his that no one ever knows he's there. Which is the goal for long snappers.
