Dawgs By Nature
Browns roster is interestingly constructed with a few position battles besides the QB one on offense
All eyes will be focused on the quarterbacks this week, as the Cleveland Browns take the practice field for OTAs. It will be the first time we get to see rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders throwing alongside veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
While that is the most important competition battle, there are others that are worth paying attention to. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has sent a message that everyone on the roster is competing for their role on the 2025 team, but there are also a few positions where a starting job could be earned.
I have identified two that I will be watching closely over the next few months, beginning this week.
Most assume that Pocic is guaranteed the job after holding down that role over the past few seasons. Pocic has exceeded expectations since signing with the Browns a few seasons ago, but his performance has declined since earning the starting gig in 2022.
Wypler, unfortunately, missed his entire sophomore season after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason. He was drafted young and showed potential during his rookie year, and I expect that he is ready to push for the starting role.
The quarterback competition could also play a factor here, as he should get plenty of reps with the young guys. If one of those QBs wins the job, developing a comfort level with Wypler by getting a ton of reps with him on second-team offense helps his case.
Barring an additional move, Cleveland will need one of these three to step up and be ready for Week 1. Thrash will be given every opportunity to earn this role, but I wouldn’t rule out Bell if he has recovered fully from the hip injury that ended his season a year ago.
Bell has plenty of experience, and the staff loves his reliability. He flashed over the last few games in the 2023 season with three touchdown receptions.
Johnson can beat both out, assuming he is hungry to return to form after an odd season last year. He will be looking to rekindle his former connection with Kenny Pickett and could gain a leg up if he can be a reliable target for him again.
Who do you think wins the third WR role? Does Wypler have any shot to beat out Pocic for the starting center job? Let us know in the comments below.
