Browns’ way-too-early 2026 53-man roster projection: Cleveland’s draft decisions are pushing players off the roster
The 2026 NFL Draft is over and the thick of offseason additions have been made for the Cleveland Browns. Here’s how the 53-man roster could shake out this fall.
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror and the majority of roster building is over for the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland welcomed in 10 draft picks and a group of undrafted free agents to try to make their way in the NFL.
We may see the Browns sign another free agent or two to fill out the roster perhaps at slot cornerback or for boundary depth, but we have a solid idea of what the 2026 roster is going to look like
We’re a long way out from the season, but it’s never too early to project what the Browns’ 53-man roster is going to look like.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2026 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2026 undrafted free agents.
Browns’ way-too-early 53-man post-draft projection etc etc (can obv change)
Quarterback (3)
IN: Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Taylen Green*
OUT: Dillon Gabriel
The skinny: The Browns drafting Green in the sixth-round is bad news for Gabriel with the new coaching staff. I have to have him as the odd man out here, while the Browns are set to roll with either Sanders or Watson as the starter. Green will be Monken’s developmental project.
Running Back (3)
IN: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders
OUT: Ahmani Marshall
The skinny: The Browns running back room is now set for the 2026 season led by their two second-year backs. Quinshon Judkins looked really good at times behind a bad offensive line last year until he was injured. Judkins will be the bellcow in 2026 and Cleveland needs to get Sampson going in Year 2.
Wide Receiver (6)
IN: Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion*, Denzel Boston*, Isaiah Bond, Malachi Corley, Tylan Wallace
OUT: Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Gage Larvadain, Luke Floriea
The skinny: Cleveland made a major investment in this drop with a first and second-round pick brought in. Concepcion and Boston proved a major facelift to this group, and I think Tillman is the odd man out in year No. 4 with the team.
Tight End (4)
IN: Harold Fannin Jr., Jack Stoll, Joe Royer*, Carsen Ryan*
OUT: Brendan Bates, Sal Cannella, Caden Preiskorn
The skinny: I have the Browns carrying four tight ends including both of their rookies. Fannin is the catalyst of this group and Stoll is almost strictly a blocker. If one of Royer or Ryan pan out, it’s a good room.
Offensive Line (10)
IN: Spencer Fano*, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Luke Wypler, Zion Johnson, Austin Barber*, Parker Brailsford*, Dawand Jones, Teven Jenkins, KT Leveston
OUT: Tyre Phillips, Jack Conley, Jeremiah Byers, Kendrick Green, Kingsley Eguakan, Zak Zinter
The skinny: Taking Fano with the first pick gave the Browns their left tackle of the future. How the center position shakes out between whether they want to start Jenkins, Brailsford, or Wypler will be key for this group.
Defensive Line (10)
IN: Myles Garrett, Isaiah McGuire, Alex Wright, Adin Huntington, Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., Sam Kamara, Kalia Davis, Logan Fano**
OUT: Julian Okwara, Tyreak Sapp**
The skinny: The Browns didn’t draft any defensive lineman after I expected them to take at least one pass rusher. The brother of Cleveland’s No. 9 overall pick signed as an undrafted free agent and he has a legit shot to make the team.
Linebacker (5)
IN: Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams, Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson, Justin Jefferson*
OUT: Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Edefuan Ulofoshio
The skinny: Cleveland has gotten good linebacker player the last few years under Jason Tarver and 2026 will be no different. Schwesinger has a chance to be an All-Pro level player and Williams is the addition in free agency to start alongside him. Expect the rookie Jefferson to start out on special teams and work his way up from there.
Cornerback (5)
IN: Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Dom Jones, Michael Coats Jr.**
OUT: D’Angelo Ross, Myles Bryant, Tre Avery
The skinny: I would have felt better if the Browns addressed their slot corner spot, but now they’ll have Harden and Coats competing for the spot it appears.
Safety (4)
IN: Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman Jr., Emmanuel McNeil-Warren*, Donovan McMillon
OUT: Chris Edmonds, Daniel Thomas
The skinny: Cleveland has high-level potential in its top three safeties. The pick of McNeil-Warren is for now and the future. Expect the Browns to have three safeties on the field a ton in 2026.
Special Teams (3)
IN: P Corey Bojorquez, K Andre Szmyt, LS Rex Sunahara
OUT: P Nik Constantinou
The skinny: The Browns opted to bring Bojorquez on a one-year deal as a free agent. Szmyt is coming off a strong rookie season in Cleveland and this room is set.
