Browns Release Week 1 Depth Chart: Surprises and a Mistake
The Cleveland Browns have released the “Unofficial” Week 1 Depth Chart updated with all of the roster moves. The depth chart can be seen in picture form at the end of this article. Here is the starting offense:
QB: Brian Hoyer
RB: Ben Tate
FB: Ray Agnew
WRs: Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin
TE: Jordan Cameron
OL: Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, John Greco and Mitchell Schwartz
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So no big surprises on offense. The one clear mistake is that the team has listed Dion Lewis, recently cut, as the 3rd running back instead of Isaiah Crowell. The defense has a couple of slight surprises that stand out, and they are not about players no longer on the team:
DL: Armonty Bryant, Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor
LBs: Paul Kruger, Karlos Dansby, Craig Robertson and Barkevious Mingo
CBs: Joe Haden and Buster Skrine
FS: Tashaun Gipson
SS: Donte Whitner
Armonty and Desmond Bryant were considered “co-starters” before Desmond’s injury. Now Armonty is listed at right defensive end and Desmond at left defensive end. Desmond is also injured and last on the depth chart, but having them listed at different positions is interesting.
For many Browns fans seeing Robertson’s name in the starting lineup brings back terrible memories from last year and Ray Horton‘s “star” player. Rookie Christian Kirksey has made a name for himself among the media and fans but Robertson’s improvements are clear to the coaching staff.
The way Justin Gilbert struggled as the primary corner, after Haden went out for a couple games in the pre-season, and the type of camp that Skrine had it isn’t as surprising to see Skrine starting across from Haden. Head Coach Mike Pettine may have wanted Gilbert to win the job but he is not the type of coach to just give spots to players. Skrine earned his starting job. Also interesting that Pierre Desir and Skrine are not listed as injured.
KR/PR: Travis Benjamin
Benjamin won the job with little competition. His electric plays last year in the return game made him an almost lock to continue that role this year. The lone question was the health of his knee, which seems fine. Benjamin is a weapon, expect the Browns to deploy the weapon in a variety of ways this year.
What stands out to you?
Here is the Depth Chart in picture form: