We’re getting close to the time for cuts around the NFL. Following cuts is an interesting point before the season when teams want to round out their practice squad.

Cleveland Browns, like every other team in the NFL, will have the opportunity to sign 16 players to the practice squad. During the season they can protect four of those players from being signed elsewhere.

When the roster cuts down for the Browns next week, some of the players they cut they may look to get to the practice squad.

Each week the Browns will elevate a couple of players from the practice squad to the active roster. Below is a look at five players Cleveland may look to get to the practice squad on the offensive side of the ball.

QB Kellen Mond

Mond started the first game of the preseason against the New York Jets and it wasn’t a good showing. The third-year quarterback bounced back against the Washington Commanders with a better game. Unfortunately for him, the Browns will 100 percent roll with their rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who they hope is their long-term backup. I feel pretty good about the Browns being able to get Mond to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

RB John Kelly Jr.

Turning the ball over is very hurtful when you’re battling for a spot on the roster. Kelly has spent a ton of time with the Browns’ practice squad in the past and could end up there again. A fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles last week near the goal line hurt his stock. Nonetheless, I believe that Kelly is at least capable to take a few snaps if needed. An ideal guy for the practice squad. Cleveland is likely only going to keep three running backs and Demetric Felton looks to be leading the way for that third spot.

WR Mike Harley Jr.

There are a couple of wide receivers currently on the roster that I could see Cleveland wanting to get to the practice squad. Harley is familiar with that role and has had a nice relationship with Deshaun Watson through the offseason. A pretty sure feeling that Harley will clear waivers and be there if the Browns want to add him.

TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden

With his basketball background, Mitchell-Paden is such a raw, intriguing talent at tight end. The ability to go up and make a catch, be an athletic target, and run are all there. Surely a player that will not be signed to a team, if the Browns want to bring Mitchell-Paden back they’ll have a chance to. Continuing to develop his blocking is key to becoming an NFL-caliber tight end.

OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Right now, a part of me is not completely ruling out that the Browns keep Wheatley on the 53-man roster. This preseason the Browns have pretty darn good backup offensive tackle play. He can play both tackle spots and he can move, Wheatley is a former college tight end. If the Browns can get him to the practice squad it would very ideal with his versatility. With a nice preseason, there are teams out there that may claim him to improve their offensive line depth. 

The expectation is that none of these players make the Browns’ 53-man roster in this exercise. All of these players are knowledgeable with what the Browns do, so getting them back to the ‘extended’ part of the team is ideal.

Browns 53-man Roster Projection: A surprise cut comes about as cut downs near

Tough cuts are soon to come for the Browns and we have one in this projection.

Featured image Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports.