Browns initial 2023 53-man roster

Cuts are finished and 53-man rosters are in by the 4 p.m. deadline that was given by the NFL. Cleveland Browns have grouped together their initial group of 53 players. This is the most important 53-man roster of the Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski era. Expectations are real and the Browns have what they believe […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Aug 29, 2023 2:34 PM EDT

Cuts are finished and 53-man rosters are in by the 4 p.m. deadline that was given by the NFL.

Cleveland Browns have grouped together their initial group of 53 players. This is the most important 53-man roster of the Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski era. Expectations are real and the Browns have what they believe is a competing roster.

As mentioned, this initial roster is exactly that, initial. Cleveland will likely send a player or two to the injured reserve to replace them for at least four weeks. It’s one way they can remain flexible.

Browns initial 2023 53-man roster

Quarterback (2)

IN: Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

OUT: Kellen Mond

The skinny: Cleveland Browns have their hopeful franchise quarterback at the helm. The preseason rise of DTR was a nice surprise for the team, he showed he deserves the backup spot.

Running back (3)

IN: Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr.

OUT: John Kelly Jr., Demetric Felton, Hassan Hall, Jordan Wilkins

The skinny: Cleveland traded for Strong to be their third running back. Plenty of youth behind Chubb in this room.

Wide receiver (6)

IN: Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Elijah Moore, David Bell, Cedric Tillman, Marquise Goodwin

OUT: Anthony Schwartz, Jakeem Grant Sr., Jaelon Darden, Mike Harley Jr., Austin Watkins Jr.

The skinny: Despite a strong preseason, Watkins will not make the roster. Cleveland keeps six, as they have in years past.

Tight end (3)

IN: David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Harrison Bryant

OUT: Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Miller Forristall

The skinny: This group has been set in stone for months.

Offensive line (9)

IN: Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, James Hudson, Nick Harris

OUT: Nick Harris, Drew Forbes, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Wes Martin, Michael Dunn

The skinny: The Browns will had to this group once they make IR moves. Starting five is strong, one of the best in the NFL. There is young, promising depth that has came about.

Defensive line (9)

IN: Myles Garrett, ZaDarius Smith, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Isaiah McGuire, Alex Wright, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Siaki Ika, Jordan Elliott

OUT: Tommy Togiai, Trysten Hill, Maurice Hurst

The skinny: An overhauled defensive line that has great early returns over the last month. Togiai is out after two years, where he did not show much. Hill had an injury all camp that really limited his presence. Hurst not making the team … for now.

Linebacker (7)

IN: Anthony Walker Jr., Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Sione Takitaki, Tony Fields II, Jordan Kunaszyk, Mohamoud Diabate, Matthew Adams

OUT: Jacob Phillips (IR), Charlie Thomas III

The skinny: To open up, the Browns are keeping seven linebackers. Expect Kunaszyk to go to the injured reserve for at least four games and they’ll sign someone else.

Cornerback (6)

IN: Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome II, A.J. Green, Cam Mitchell, Mike Ford

OUT: Chris Westry, Caleb Biggers,

The skinny: No surprises in this room. New additions are Ford (free agent) and Mitchell (rookie).

Safety (5)

IN: Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman Jr., D’Anthony Bell

OUT: Tanner McAllister

The skinny: Hickman makes the team as an undrafted free agent just like Bell did last year.

Special teams (3)

IN: Dustin Hopkins, Corey Bojorquez, Charley Hughlett

The skinny: Cleveland opted to waive Cade York after a lackluster preseason. In a corresponding move, the Browns traded for Hopkins from the Los Angeles Chargers.