Cleveland Browns: Projecting the 53-man roster
By Shane Carter
The Cleveland Browns need to cut the roster down to 53 players by Week 1. Here is a definitive list projecting all 53 roster spots.
The Cleveland Browns open training camp in less than a week, meaning we will get to see new faces from offseason signings, trades and the draft get their chance at making the final roster.
However, sometimes it isn’t as simple as best player gets on the team. Many teams have a limit to how many players they will keep at certain positions. So even if the fourth running back isn’t better than the sixth linebacker, chances are that the team will keep only three in favor of defensive depth.
Many times it is determined at the quality of depth as well as where the team actually needs the most help. This is not set in stone but here is how I think the opening day, 53-man roster will look.
Quarterback: 3
DeShone Kizer
Kizer is a lock after the Browns spent a second-round pick on him, and is who many hope will be the long-awaited quarterback the team has been looking for. Kessler is going into his second season and looks like the guy who will be the starter. He’s not flashy, but his game management style keeps him on the team.
Ask any Houston Texans fan and they’ll vomit at the mention of Brock Osweiler, but you can’t deny his record as a starter at 13-8 in less than two full seasons. If we believe Coach Jackson about Brock and that he looks good in practice then maybe Cleveland is his saving grace.
Running Back: 4
Duke Johnson Jr.
Matt Dayes
Crowell is the obvious lead dog, and could pass 1,000 yards this season with help from a new-look offensive line. Duke Johnson Jr. and Matt Dayes are similar backs in size and they offer shiftiness and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield on short dump-off passes. They also could help aid in special teams this season.
Dan Vitale was a sixth-round pick last season by Tampa Bay but was picked up by Cleveland and looks like it’s his job at fullback to lose.