Cleveland Browns have a clear approach in the preseason and that is to rest the starters as much as they can while playing players on the back end of the roster. The Browns have a few position battles playing out on the field, but for the most part, they know what they are entering the season with.

The 27-12 loss at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings was no surprise, the Browns decided to get their work in during the joint practices and you can’t blame them. In the second preseason game, the Browns had a few players to monitor in terms of stock up or stock down.

Stock up

DT Chris Williams

No defender had a better day than Williams, the former undrafted free agent who signed with the Indianapolis Colts out of college in 2020. Williams had two sacks from the interior of the defensive line and had four tackles in total. Williams should have an outside shot at competing for an end-of-the-roster spot. His spot on the practice squad should be safe if the Browns can get him there.

DE Jeremiah Martin

Martin was another backup defensive lineman that made his presence felt. While he isn’t in a position to make the roster, Martin could be worth keeping on the practice squad. Still only 25 years old and in his second season out of Washington, Martin has shown the ability to get to the quarterback.

LB Devin Bush

Bush was the only player who is likely a starter who saw playing time against the Vikings. Bush is settling into his SAM linebacker role and he’s done a good job. If Bush can stay healthy, he has a chance to be a very good signing by the Browns. Against the Vikings, Bush had four tackles and a hit on the quarterback. The former first-round pick has had two good weeks in a row.

TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden

The likely path for Mitchell-Paden to stick around is the practice squad and he has earned a spot there in my opinion. Against Minnesota, Mitchell-Paden had 59 receiving yards on four catches to lead the team. Cleveland probably has their three tight ends already, but Mitchell-Paden could see time up from the practice squad this season.

Stock down 

RB Aidan Robbins

I’ve seen enough of Robbins to know that he is not going to be what the Browns want. He is a big, slow running back for the NFL and lacks burst out of the backfield. Through two preseason games, Robbins has 11 rushes for 23 yards. Cleveland can find production elsewhere.

CB Tony Brown

Brown’s role will be on special teams and the Browns hope to never have to have him on the field as a cornerback and he showed why on Saturday. Brown was beaten multiple times and had a tough day in coverage against Minnesota. Cleveland knows what they have him and his strong suit is not being a boundary corner.

DT Siaki Ika

Ika had a pressure on Saturday but did not record any other statistics despite playing a decent amount. What stood out was how late into the game Ika was playing, Mosley with guys that are not going to make the team. At this point, I think the former 2023 NFL Draft pick is on the outside looking in when it comes to making the roster. 

Browns’ key decision to make on cutdown day doesn’t get any clearer in preseason loss to Vikings

The Browns have a quarterback battle that will continue.