Predicting the Cleveland Browns 55-man roster at start of camp
By Randy Gurzi
Quarterback (3)
The Browns could go two-deep at quarterback like the did in 2019, but thanks to the addition of the two spots they can move from practice squad to the active roster, they go deep and keep three.
Baker Mayfield
For the second season in a row, Baker Mayfield comes in as the unquestioned starter — something Browns fans are ecstatic about. Since returning to the NFL in 1999, Cleveland has struggled to find a consistent starter under center so it’s refreshing to have their guy.
Of course, we all know that Mayfield needs to improve this season. He struggled in his sophomore campaign but with the changes to the coaching staff and improvements on the offensive line, there’s a lot of hope that he will be the player we saw in 2018.
Case Keenum
Behind Mayfield will be Case Keenum, a former undrafted free agent from Houston. Keenum makes a high-paid reserve but his experience — especially in Kevin Stefanski’s offense — is going to be very important. Not only will that be huge if he has to play, but his ability to mentor Mayfield will be very beneficial.
Keenum led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in 2017 after filling in for an injured Sam Bradford. That season alone proves he’s one of the better backups in the NFL.
Garrett Gilbert
One of the biggest stars of the short-lived AAF, Garrett Gilbert lit things up for the Orlando Apollos. That earned him a shot with the Browns and he was the primary backup in 2019. He makes the roster as a third-stringer, and this year have a third option could be huge.
With the COVID concerns, a team could lose anyone without any warning. While that’s true of an injury, this virus just makes it more dangerous to be thin at any position. Gilbert knows the receivers since he was here in 2019 and gives them a third player they would feel comfortable starting — if they had to that is.