Dawgs By Nature
Dorian Thompson-Robinson could return to starting soon
The Cleveland Browns playoff hopes are long gone. What was considered a top roster has underperformed and now conversations are more about who will survive, both around the NFL trade deadline, and with the front office and coaching staff after the season.
What used to be a younger roster in the league is now old and uncompetitive. Spending a lot of time on playing the veteran players doesn’t do a lot of the team given the destination for the 2024 season. Instead, the younger players on the Browns roster should be prioritized the rest of the way.
Here are six players that are 24 years old or younger that should be prioritized for the rest of the season:
While Jameis Winston is the starter this week, it is possible the veteran could be moved before the NFL trade deadline. DTR may not be a starter in the NFL but needs exposure so Cleveland knows if he is or isn’t as well as having an understanding of whether he can be a reliable backup for a contending team.
Thompson-Robinson’s high school teammate, Tillman has a chance now that Amari Cooper is gone. Tillman was a third-round selection so expecting a top receiver is unrealistic but seeing if he can be a starting-level pass catcher can help the Browns plan moving forward.
The first chance went pretty well with eight catches for 81 yards, Tillman only had three catches in the first six games of the season prior to that.
Cleveland’s first selection this year missed the start of the season due to suspension but presents the Browns with the best chance for interior pass rush moving forward. Learning how to use his hands, overcome size limitations and getting experience with NFL speeds is vital in his development.
While veteran Jordan Hicks has played well, Diabate has been a pleasant surprise on defense after being a solid special teams contributor previously. Seeing if Diabate, an undrafted free agent last year, can step in next to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah long-term is important for team-building plans.
A fourth-rounder in 2023, McGuire could fill in with Alex Wright out for the season and Za’Darius Smith on the trade market. Cleveland will need more edge help but knowing if McGuire can be a rotational piece is important.
Thrash was mostly a luxury pick in 2024 but, after falling from a potential Day 2 pick into the fifth round, he could have a big role moving forward. Cooper is already elsewhere and Elijah Moore is set to depart in free agency after the season. Thrash has only played one game and seven snaps on offense so far for the Browns. That needs to change.
***Who do you want to see more from on the Browns roster the rest of the season? Any younger players you...
