How many rookies will make the Cleveland Browns final roster?

Tight end Seth DeValve: The man out of Princeton has struggled with a hamstring injury and has only been targeted one time in the preseason. The Browns are not exactly loaded at tight end behind Gary Barnidge, so anything is possible at this position.

Wide receiver Ricardo Louis: A raw talent as a wide receiver after coming out of Auburn’s run-heavy offense, Louis has been limited by a hamstring injury during training camp. (Whatever happen to the notion that Jackson’s “tough training camp” was going to eliminate those soft-tissue injuries?) Louis might have a tough time sticking on the final roster, but will certainly be a player the Browns will look to get on the practice squad.

Linebacker Scooby Wright: Wright has done little in the preseason to be in consideration for a roster spot as he is still working his way back from injuries that ruined his senior year at Arizona. A year on the practice squad, which will allow him more time to heal, seems like the proper course of action for Wright.

So there it is: nine of the 14 draft picks look to be locks for the final roster, with another two selections having at least a fighting chance. That may have been hard to believe a few months ago, but it seems more likely given the way that the preseason has gone.

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The final roster selections are still a few days away, but Brown and Jackson are sending out a message that is crystal clear.

With 14 draft picks this year and another dozen (and counting) for next year, they did not inherit a roster loaded with talent and are doing everything can to fix the problem.