Browns 53-man roster projection takes shape with big week looming

Two preseason games remain for the Cleveland Browns before they have to make some tough decisions. Injuries have come about for the team that plays a factor in a way, but the outcome of said injuries is known. Cleveland has completed two preseason games against the New York Jets and Washington Commanders, two chances for […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer

Aug 15, 2023 7:00 AM EDT

Two preseason games remain for the Cleveland Browns before they have to make some tough decisions.

Injuries have come about for the team that plays a factor in a way, but the outcome of said injuries is known.

Cleveland has completed two preseason games against the New York Jets and Washington Commanders, two chances for guys to show they belong against opposing competition.

The most important two days of training camp were yesterday and today with the Browns taking part in joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles. It is an opportunity for the roster to be evaluated against a good football team.

As it currently stands, below is how I see the 53-man roster shaking out. There is one player in particular on the offense that I have a hard time leaving off the team.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Deshaun Watson, Joshua Dobbs, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

OUT: Kellen Mond

The skinny: The quarterback position remains unchanged from last week for me. Dobbs made his preseason debut and didn’t look all that good, while the rookie DTR continues to impress. Mond had a bounce-back game against the Washington Commanders but there’s just no spot on the 53-man for him.

Running back (3)

IN: Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, Demetric Felton

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

The skinny: Cleveland did sign Jordan Wilkins but I have a hard time seeing him make the roster. The Browns hope to have Ford back in week 1 — they will know closer to that time. If he’s out in week 1, the Browns will call up a practice squad guy, perhaps Kelly or Hall.

Wide receiver (6)

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

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

The skinny: Cleveland’s wide receiver room is basically set outside of the sixth spot. Until there is more information on Goodwin, I believe he makes this team. If Goodwin is unable to go and remains on the non-football injury list, Watkins is the first guy I’d pick to make the team. All Watkins has done in this training camp is excel. At this very moment, it’s incredibly difficult to have to cut Watkins.

Tight end (3)

IN: David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Harrison Bryant

OUT: Zaire Mitchell-Paden, Miller Forristall

The skinny: Cleveland could keep a fourth tight end but with the offense evolving I don’t picture that happening. Forristall was recently signed and played well against the Commanders, he or Mitchell-Paden make sense to get to the practice squad.

Offensive line (10)

IN: Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Luke Wypler, James Hudson, Michael Dunn, Colby Gossett

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

The skinny: Cleveland isn’t keeping three centers I highly doubt, so Harris is going to be a tough cut. Perhaps the Browns look to trade their former fifth-round pick.

Defensive line (10)

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

OUT: Tommy Togiai, Trysten Hill

The skinny: Alex Wright is hurt but I don’t see the Browns giving up on him just yet. He stays on the roster and Cleveland keeps five ends and tackles. The final spot comes down to Hurst and Hill battling it out. Hurst showed up against the Commanders and has the edge.

Linebacker (5)

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

OUT: Matthew Adams, Jacob Phillips, Mohamoud Diabate

The skinny: Injury to Phillips is unfortunate as he was battling for a roster spot. If Cleveland keeps five linebackers rather than six, the final spot comes down to Kunaszyk, who gives them special teams flexibility.

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: Last week I had the Browns only keeping five cornerbacks but this week I have Ford in here for his ability to play on special teams. With the past injuries to the position, keeping six is the way to go.

Safety (4)

IN: Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman Jr.

OUT: D’Anthony Bell, Tanner McAllister

The skinny: Last year it was Bell making it as an undrafted rookie, this year it is Hickman. The former Buckeye had two interceptions against the Commanders and has had a good camp. Known as more of a box safety, perhaps he has untapped potential to do more.