Cleveland Browns: 53 man roster full of surprises in 2018
By Randy Gurzi
Offensive linemen (9): Joel Bitonio, Austin Corbett, J.C. Tretter, Kevin Zeitler, Chris Hubbard, Desmond Harrison, Earl Watford, Austin Reiter, Greg Robinson
Shon Coleman was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and while that doesn’t move the meter, it was a fall from grace for a guy who started out the offseason as the favorite to play left tackle. Greg Robinson proved to be a smart pickup late in the game as did Earl Watford. Both made the team and provide solid depth.
Undrafted free agent Desmond Harrison makes the cut too and has even been discussed as a future starter at left tackle for Cleveland.
Wide receivers (6): Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, Antonio Callaway, Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley, Derrick Willies
On the team’s website, they list Josh Gordon last with the wide receivers. That’s laughable. He’s the most talented player in this group — no offense to any of the other players, he’s just that good when he’s on.
Jarvis Landry is expected to be the leader of the bunch and Rashard Higgins made huge strides this preseason. Damion Ratley has a lot to like and Derrick Willies was a favorite target of rookie Baker Mayfield and could develop into a red zone weapon.
Tight ends (4): David Njoku, Darren Fells, Orson Charles, Seth DeValve
Devon Cajuste was cut and the ‘Hard Knocks‘ star will be missed by many. He just had too much to work on, but did offer some speed as a receiver that was nice. David Njoku is headed for a breakout season and Darren Fells will simply do his job.
DeValve played well in 2017 and Orson Charles is here to block. They went deep here as they opted not to keep a fullback as Dan Vitale was waived as an injury designation.
Running backs (3): Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson, Nick Chubb
They went thin here. Not only was Vitale gone, but Matthew Dayes also didn’t make the cut despite a good showing in the preseason. The trio they have is remarkable though and may be the best group on the whole roster.
Next. 3 Players I’m still not sold on. dark
Quarterbacks (3): Tyrod Taylor, Baker Mayfield, Drew Stanton
No shocks whatsoever here. Tyrod Taylor is the starter and we all knew Baker Mayfield was going to sit and learn the game. Drew Stanton is considered a mentor for Mayfield, but it’s still weird to have a 34-year old as the third-string quarterback.