Tony Grossi identifies 7 under the radar Cleveland Browns players
By Randy Gurzi
ESPN’s Tony Grossi identified seven under the radar players to keep an eye on as the Cleveland Brons prepare for the 2019 NFL Season
Suddenly, the competition for playing time is fierce for the Cleveland Browns. The majority of the starting jobs are filled as training camp approaches, which is an unfamiliar, yet great feeling. That doesn’t mean some players can’t still surprise us all as camp approaches.
During that time, young players can come in an unexpectedly push for playing time. With camp just around the corner, Tony Grossi of ESPN identified seven under the radar players that he feels can be a surprise and end up winning more time on the field than expected.
On offense, Grossi likes quarterback Garrett Gilbert, running back Dontrell Hilliard, offensive tackle Drew Forbes, and wide receiver Damion Ratley.
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One intriguing name on this list is Forbes, the team’s sixth-round pick out of Southeast Missouri State. Grossi admits he’s a project player that may serve more of a purpose down the road than this coming season.
Still, keeping an eye on him is a must considering offensive tackle was one of the big question marks heading into the offseason and the Browns didn’t do much outside of this addition.
As for defenders, Grossi points to defensive end Anthony Zettel, linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, and safety Jermaine Whitehead.
Armstrong finds himself at a suddenly crowded position which will make it hard for him to make an impact. As for Whitehead, we’ve looked at him extensively at DPD as he seems to be making quite the impression on the staff.
As for Zettel, his name is really an interesting one to watch. Grossi pointed to his high motor but mentions how he’s far down the depth chart behind Myles Garrett and Chris Smith at the moment.
"“A waiver claim by Dorsey in September, he was projected as an interior lineman coming out of Penn State – and then surprised with 6.5 sacks in spot duty at end for the Lions in 2017. He currently is slotted third at right end behind Garrett and Chris Smith. His stubby arms are not ideal, but he makes up for it in want-to.” — Grossi"
Admittedly, I believed Zettel would have a larger impact last season when he was claimed off waivers than what he did. Perhaps a new defensive scheme under Steve Wilks can help him reclaim some of that magic he had in Detroit.
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We know the Browns could use the depth at defensive end, especially after trading away Emmanuel Ogbah in the offseason. There’s a clear need for someone like Zettel to step up and he’s shown the ability to perform at a high level in the past meaning Grossi was right on calling him an under the radar player to keep an eye on.