Will versatility help Seth DeValve make Cleveland Browns 53-man roster?

Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve entered the season on the roster bubble, but his versatility could create an easier path to make the 53-man roster.

Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve has not had the training camp or preseason that he wanted after suffering a concussion early on in camp. The injury forced DeValve to be on the sidelines for a couple of weeks.

It was a training camp that DeValve needed to be on the field for due to his status on Cleveland’s roster. The Browns have a competitive tight ends room and DeValve was going to have to fight to keep his job.

However, DeValve returned to practice last week and played in Cleveland’s third preseason game, but did not record a reception on his one target. But even without making a reception, DeValve showed something that can help him make the 53-man roster to start the season.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

• How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
• Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
• 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
• Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
• 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target

DeValve played 19 snaps against the Buccaneers, but was used as both a tight end and fullback. And when lined up at fullback, DeValve did not look uncomfortable and made some good blocks for the running back, even though the running game struggled as a whole.

Last season, Orson Charles was used in the role DeValve played Friday night. But after the Browns released Charles, the role is open for the taking. And after showing some reliability as a blocker, DeValve should be able to fill the role well.

Even though the Browns signed fullback Joe Kerridge, they may prefer to not keep a roster spot solely for a fullback and instead use a tight end to take the fullback snaps. After the Browns signed Kerridge, head coach Freddie Kitchens said the offense could survive without a fullback. So if DeValve can handle playing fullback at times, the Browns would likely prefer to have the extra roster spot.

DeValve has shown the potential of being a good receiving tight end. But after dealing with an injury in 2018, he was unable to show off his potential, which is why his roster spot is in question this season.

Teams love versatility, so if DeValve can make plays as a receiving tight end as well as being a fullback, he would increase his chances at making the Browns final roster. Even after missing the first half of the preseason and training camp, DeValve seems to have a good chance at making the Browns roster to start the regular season if he can play well at fullback.