The Cleveland Browns Practice Squad

Jul 25, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Jamoris Slaughter (30) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns full practice squad has been announced and there seems to be a trend; 5 defensive backs and 2 wide receivers.  One position, wide receiver, has the look of a potential strength but with a lot of if’s involved.   The other, the secondary, was a clear weakness coming into this season and while the Browns were able to address a number of issues, will likely have issues to deal with beyond this season.

Chud continues the familiar refrain of describing the roster as ‘fluid’ which is an understatement.  There are still more moves to come with the active roster as they are still without a kicker and may try to make some additional moves with perhaps one of their extra offensive linemen.  Nevertheless, here are the names on the practice squad.

S Jamoris Slaughter – One of the players the Browns were hoping to get back after letting him go to keep Josh Aubrey.  Slaughter was picked as an injured player who they were getting on the cheap in hopes of having him reclaim a higher level of play when healthy.  He had setbacks in camp and was never able to get on track.  On the practice squad, he can focus on getting healthy and get ready to contribute in a larger role next year.

WR Tori Gurley – Gurley was cut for the seventh time in his career, but really did seem to be a contender to take the final roster spot.  He brings size at 6’4” 230lbs and hopes to have a similar path to the NFL that James Harrison had.  Harrison was cut around a half dozen times going back and forth between the Steelers and Ravens before he caught on and came into his own.

WR Jasper Collins – The former Purple Raider had a try out in Miami before being released.  Collins is similar to Josh Cooper in that he has average tools but seems to understand the position and how to get open and catch the ball.  Collins may not have a ton of upside but he has more than Cooper does and could probably contribute in a pinch if needed.

CB Terrence Frederick – Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2012 draft, Frederick was released and spent this past season with the New York Giants.  Frederick is more suited to play in the slot than he is on the outside, similarly to Trevin Wade.  He has experience in a 3-4 with not only Pittsburgh but during his time with Texas A&M during his senior year.

CB Julian Posey – Brother of former Ohio State Buckeye and current Houston Texan DeVier Posey, Posey has only appeared in 2 games during his 2 year career.  Posey played his football in Athens for the Ohio Bobcats.

CB Kip Edwards – Edwards was released by the Buffalo Bills after a tryout with them after coming out of Missouri.  Players like Edwards out of Missouri are intriguing because they played against the Big XII as juniors and the SEC as seniors; two completely different styles of football with vastly different offenses, so they have seen and been exposed to quite a bit.

SS Darius Eubanks – Eubanks was unable to land a roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings after playing a ton of football over the past four years playing at Georgia Southern.  He brings a good amount of size at 6’2” 222lbs.  Eubanks probably benefited from the attention paid to his teammate and fellow safety, J.J. Wilcox, who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the draft.

Update: The Browns have also signed Caylin Hauptmann to the practice squad.  Hauptmann spent camp trying to earn a roster spot on the Browns.  The former Florida International tackle flashed athletic ability and potential, but really had some struggles as the preseason progressed.  Depending on how the 53 man roster shakes out, this might not be a long term stay.  For instance, if they release Martin Wallace and he gets through waivers, he seems to be the player they really want to hold onto going forward.