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Cleveland Browns on roster bubble before final preseason game

By Dan Justik

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23: Quarter back Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field during player introductions prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23: Quarter back Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field during player introductions prior to a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Wide receiver Griff Whalen #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs a route against defensive back Jeremiah McKinnon #38 of the Washington Redskins during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Wide receiver Griff Whalen #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs a route against defensive back Jeremiah McKinnon #38 of the Washington Redskins during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Cornerback Jeremiah McKinnon

Jeremiah McKinnon has bounced around the NFL as he enters his third-year in the league. Signing with the Browns during the first days of training camp, the 25-year-old cornerback has opened some eyes in his short time with the Browns.

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McKinnon has shown that he can make plays on the ball and creates opportunities for turnovers. Against the Eagles, his tight coverage on a deep ball on the sidelines caught a lot of people’s attention. But he is also a very willing tackler, which is something that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams covets from his players in the secondary.

But despite some good games, McKinnon has a tough path to making the final 53-man roster. The Browns have four cornerbacks that are almost guaranteed to make the roster: Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, T.J. Carrie, and E.J. Gaines.

That leaves McKinnon battling with Mike Jordan, Simeon Thomas, and Denzel Rice for the final one or two cornerback roster spots. And these players have a little more connection to the Browns coaches and front office than McKinnon.

Jordan played for the Browns last season and has two years of experience in Williams’ defense. Jordan also played some valuable snaps at the end of last season, which could help his case battling for a roster spot.

Rice and Thomas both were acquisitions of Dorsey, Rice signing in January and Thomas being a sixth-round pick (dropping in the draft due to character concerns). Rice has also seen some significant playing time late in the Browns’ preseason games this year.

If McKinnon can make some big plays against the Lions on Thursday, he may push his name to the top of the competition. But a sub-par game could put him at great risk of being cut, or at the best being put on the practice squad.

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