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Cleveland Browns: Players with the most to gain against Chicago

By Eric Szczepinski

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Cleveland Browns 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Cleveland Browns 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns Tracy Howard (41) and cornerback Eric Patterson (39) take down Atlanta Falcons wide receiver J.D. McKissic (85) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Falcons won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns Tracy Howard (41) and cornerback Eric Patterson (39) take down Atlanta Falcons wide receiver J.D. McKissic (85) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Falcons won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The Browns roster currently stands at 75 players, but by Saturday afternoon the team will have to have the roster down to 53 players. That makes tonight Thursday night the final audition for many young players eyeing for roster spots.

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Connor Hamlett, the first-year tight end from Oregon State was an early  camp standout, proving early in 11-on 11-work that he can win in the red zone and be a big target for his quarterback. However, Hamlett has not seen the targets or playing time during the preseason to secure his roster spot.

Related: Who is Connor Hamlett?

He is currently fourth on the depth chart behind Gary Barnidge, Randall Telfer and Seth DeValve for tonight’s game. It is likely the Browns will only carry three tight ends on the roster, so Hamlett needs to take advantage of his final opportunity to make the roster.

Defensively, undrafted rookie cornerback Tracy Howard from Miami has been making a strong impression on the coaching staff through camp and is competing for a reserve cornerback spot. With Justin Gilbert‘s uncertain future on the Browns roster, Howard is in a good position to make the team. Howard has performed strongly in coverage and on special teams this preseason, and another strong outing may secure him a roster spot.

Related: Dominique Alexander making an impression

Another defender who has been making the most of his opportunities is rookie linebacker Dominique Alexander, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma who hasn’t taken his opportunity with the Browns lightly.

“But you have that chip, I always remember that chip like I wasn’t drafted,” Alexander told the team’s website. “It just makes me go harder every day in the film room, on the field and just in the weight room and everything.”

Alexander has seized the chance and has been productive playing in the middle of the Browns defense throughout training camp. With some unimpressive competition for a backup role at inside linebacker, Alexander may be rewarded for his hard work and dedication to improving by making the 53-man roster.

Next: Browns game plan vs. the Bears

Tonight will be pivotal for these three players in particular as they have all showcased their talent in training camp and are on the verge of securing a roster spot.

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