Dawgs By Nature
As the preseason winds down, the Cleveland Browns will trim their roster to 53 after the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday afternoon. OTA’s and training camp gave a clear understanding of how the roster looks and how it will affect the team once the season starts. Is the roster great? Not necessarily. However, the roster has enough talent, complemented by a quality coaching staff, that will help the team become competitive this season and establish a new identity.
Throughout the offseason and the draft, the Browns could’ve chosen to address the wide receiver room, but chose not to. Instead, the team decided to bank on internal development. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is the best receiver in the room as well as the leader. Jamari Thrash has had a strong camp and has played well in the preseason. Cedric Tillman looks for consistency, and he has shown that this offseason.
Recently signed undrafted rookie Isaiah Bond could make a splash in the offense and rookie Gage Larvadian has been a surprise. The room isn’t necessarily a top-tier one in the league, but it has potential that can be unlocked with how certain players have been performing.
If you were to ask anyone what the strength of the Browns team is, it’s the defensive line. Everyone is familiar with defensive end Myles Garrett, but this is arguably the best defensive line groups he has played with in his career.
In terms of the interior, rookie Mason Graham, veterans Maliek Collins and Shelby Harris, 2nd-year pro Mike Hall (when he comes back) will be formidable. In terms of depth, UDFA Adin Huntington and Sam Kamara can provide relief in that area.
When it comes to the edge rusher room, it’s deep with reliable options. Julian Okwara has done enough to be a part of the roster, same goes for Joe-Tryon Shoyinka. Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright have both made leaps in their game and look ready to make an impact this season.
Once again, the Browns defensive line should be considered the strength of the team.
At one point, the Browns had one of the top secondaries in the league, but that has changed.
With the season-ending injury to Martin Emerson Jr, the room that was once a strength has now become a weakness. It’s still a decent group, but not nearly as strong. Greg Newsome will make the switch back to the opposite side of Denzel Ward after spending most of last season and the previous season at the nickel spot.
With Newsome moving out of the nickel spot, the nickel corner is currently vacant and so far, no one has emerged as a starter. Cam Mitchell, who the team drafted in 2023 in the 5th...
