Cleveland Browns: How many draft picks make the roster?
Likely safe
The following draft picks are most likely going to make the 53-man roster. Only an extremely poor training camp, off-field incident or injury will derail these players’ hopes of making the 2017 roster.
DeShone Kizer
The Notre Dame quarterback is very nearly a lock to make the roster. He was drafted in the second round with the No. 52 overall pick, a fairly high investment. But the Browns can’t guarantee him a roster spot only because he is an unproven rookie, and a quarterback at that.
Quarterbacks are valuable, and teams won’t carry more than three on an active roster at a time. With Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler certain to be on the roster, Kizer should be third, or second if he really impresses.
But there is still practice squad standout Kevin Hogan in the mix, who could always outplay Kizer in camp enough to establish himself as an NFL quarterback. Unlikely, but Kizer is going to have to show something in training camp to solidify his roster spot.
Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi is a flexible lineman who can play at either the nose tackle position or as an end, the latter being the more likely scenario. Alongside Shelton and Garrett, a run stopper like Ogunjobi adds balance to a defense needing a better combination of size and athleticism. He’s also consistent, which really increases his chances of having an adequate training camp which will earn him a roster spot.
Roderick Johnson
It seems like the worst thing the Browns could have possibly done in the fifth round with the No. 160 overall pick. Sure, they needed to address the offensive tackle position, but it’s quite eerie and somewhat concerning that Cleveland’s first instinct is to go after Cameron Erving‘s replacement at Florida State.
Even though he may not be a fan favorite, Johnson should make the roster due to his large frame, impressive skill set and the need the Browns have at the position. As the only lineman they selected in the draft, many believe the Browns didn’t do enough to improve their line this offseason.
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After all, last season was a disaster with much instability on the line. Erving is still a major question, and Joe Thomas is only getting older. It’s hard to imagine the Browns wouldn’t keep one of their only major investments at the position.
Caleb Brantley
Many Browns fans rolled their eyes when the organization took a chance on a troubled young defender from the University of Florida. Brantley was in trouble with the law, but has since been relieved of this distraction. Fans may still be concerned about future distractions, but for now, the lineman is poised to contribute as soon as possible.
His legal troubles allowed him to slide in the draft despite his extraordinary talent, but this hasn’t yet proven to be a liability to the Browns. On the contrary, Cleveland should only benefit from the size and strength of Brantley, who can provide depth to a unit who would ideally like to share playing time to remain fresh.