Cleveland Browns: Final 53-man roster prediction
By Randy Gurzi
Linebacker (6): Christian Kirksey, Joe Schobert, Jamie Collins, James Burgess, Genard Avery, B.J. Bello
This week proved to be a weird one for the Browns, with linebacker Mychal Kendricks front and center. Not long after being featured on ‘Hard Knocks,’ Kendricks was found to be part of a federal investigation into insider trading. He could be facing jail time and was subsequently cut by Cleveland.
That didn’t change the starting three of Christian Kirksey, Joe Schobert, or Jamie Collins. It did, however, bump Genard Avery up, but he looks ready for the role. James Burgess and B.J. Bello round out the team, with Bello earning the job with Kendricks’ release.
Defensive Line (9): Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, Trevon Coley, Emmanuel Ogbah, Chris Smith, Chad Thomas, Carl Nassib, Caleb Brantley, Jamie Meder
Cleveland’s defensive line looks strong and Myles Garrett appears ready to take on the entire NFL. Emmanuel Ogbah is on the other side of the line and is a complete player even if he doesn’t bring as much heat as Garrett.
Their backups are Chris Smith, Carl Nassib, and Chad Thomas. Smith is the best pass rusher of the three and Nassib barely beats out Nate Orchard — who did make some waves with a beautiful pick-six on Thursday. Chad Thomas is a project player who likely is inactive on several game days as a rookie.
The defensive tackles aren’t as strong but can get the job done. Larry Ogunjobi and Trevon Coley get the starting nods with Caleb Brantley and Jamie Meder waiting in the wings. Brantley could eventually force his way into the starting lineup if he can put all his tools to good use.