Way too early prediction of the Cleveland Browns 53 man roster
By Mitch Zoloty
Safeties
Absolute Lock:
Grant Delpit
Andrew Sendejo
Karl Joseph
More Than Likely In:
Sheldrick Redwine
J.T. Hassell
Possibly Practice Squad:
Wow, that’s a lot of new faces at one position. The Browns are looking at the majority of the safety snaps going to be given to guys who weren’t wearing brown and orange last season. They invested the number 44 pick in the NFL draft in Grant Delpit, who is likely going to be the team’s starting free safety day one. He’s a guy that will make multiple pro bowls in his career and was an absolute steal for the team in the 2nd round.
Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph are going to split reps at the strong safety position. During the season, the team is going to realize that they have the personnel to run a 4-2-5 defense, playing three safeties at a time. Both will begin to play then, but for now, they will split the strong safety reps. Both are veterans who have a lot to contribute to the team.
Karl Joseph packs a punch every time he hits someone, and if he can stay healthy, he is going to be a steal for the Browns. There’s a reason he was a first-round pick, and he is going to prove it on the field this season.
Sheldrick Redwine saw some notable playing time on special teams last season, and started to play better at the end of the season when he got an opportunity to on defense. He is going to be a very interesting player to watch this season, as he could take another step towards solidifying his NFL career. As the Browns 4th round pick in 2019, he could pan out well if he becomes a special teams ace and quality backup safety for the team.
J.T. Hassell is a player the Browns had on the practice squad last year and he was brought up late in the season. He should have a leg up on the two undrafted free agents the Browns have on the roster at the moment.
In this prediction, the Browns are sticking with Grant Delpit, Karl Joseph, Andrew Sendejo, Sheldrick Redwine, and J.T. Hassell.