2 big takeaways (and 2 overreactions) from the Browns' first unofficial depth chart

With the first preseason game just around the corner, the Cleveland Browns were finally forced to release their first unofficial depth chart. And when we say "forced," we mean it was full of non-updates and didn't seem to give the fans much closure.

Even so, we can now start reading between the lines and picking up the clues head coach Todd Monken might be leaving behind. Of course, there's still a long way to go, and anything can change in the next few weeks, but us football-starved fans can already envision where things are heading with this team.

Considering that, let's dive into the biggest questions still lingering after the first glimpse of the pecking order.

Spoiler alert: Some might seem hyperbolic, but it's never too early to keep an eye on storylines that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Cleveland's first unofficial depth chart offered a few answers and even more questions

Takeaway: Still no QB1 for Todd Monken

The biggest question remains unanswered. Just when all signs pointed to Deshaun Watson pulling away from Shedeur Sanders, Monken claimed the quarterback competition was still ongoing, and this confirms that narrative.

Monken named them co-starters ahead of the preseason opener, and there's still no announcement on who will lead the starters against the Chicago Bears. Both will play over the next few weeks, but whoever gets the nod first might be leading the race.

The Browns will play their starters at least one series, Monken said, giving Watson or Sanders a golden opportunity to show their grasp of the offense in a real game. Watson has struggled with turnovers in practice, but he's picked things up lately and has reportedly fared better in move-the-ball situations.

Overreaction: Joe Royer might not make the Browns' roster

The Browns took two tight ends in the NFL Draft. Cincinnati's Joe Royer, taken in the fifth round, was a dark horse to win the TE2 job behind Harold Fannin Jr., yet he's listed dead last in the Browns' long list of tight ends.

Royer has missed the first 12 days of training camp while attending to an undisclosed personal matter, so that's not much of a surprise. That said, he's clearly falling behind, and with so much competition, he'll have a lot of catching up to do. Will he be able to keep up?

The Browns just claimed Dae'Quan Wright, yet another tight end, off waivers, so they're clearly still unsettled at the position.

Takeaway: No big surprises along the offensive line

The Browns invested heavily on their offensive line this offseason. With them also using a top-10 pick on Spencer Fano, most of the newcomers were always expected to take the field right out of the gate.

Monken had already confirmed Fano's promotion to the starting left tackle job, and with Elgton Jenkins back to full strength, he claimed the starting center spot with Zion Johnson at left guard.

Teven Jenkins and KT Leveston have alternated first-team reps at right guard, but Jenkins seems to hold an edge there. Also, rookie Austin Barber seems to be making some strides to win the swing tackle job after an impressive training camp.

Overreaction: The wide receiver corps is set

The Browns' new-look wide receiver room has been a major topic since the draft. The rookies haven't disappointed, and the question wasn't whether they'll play a lot right out of the gate, but how many more wide receivers this team would carry on the 53-man roster.

Of course, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Isaiah Bond, and Jerry Jeudy are locks, leaving one or two roster spots up for grabs. Reps in training camp were the first hint, but the depth chart listing Gage Larvadain and Malachi Corley on special teams might've tipped the Browns' plan at the position.

That said, Tylan Wallace is one of Monken's guys, and he can also contribute on special teams. As for Cedric Tillman, he may be the odd-man out.

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