Cleveland Browns offseason blueprint: How many roster spots are up for grabs?

Defense

DL

Myles Garrett

Andrew Billings

Jordan Elliott

Adrian Clayborn

Missing Billings had a huge impact on the play of Cleveland’s defensive line in 2020, and getting him back will provide a massive boost. Elliott showed flashes as a rookie and should take a step forward in year two, as DT is difficult for rookies to play well at.

Clayborn was disappointing for the majority of the year, but a hip injury didn’t help matters. He’s still a quality backup, which is the role he was signed to play.

LB

Jacob Phillips

Sione Takitaki

The Browns linebackers are too slow. Phillips is not slow. He should be the starting MIKE in 2021. Takitaki is limited, but he’s a terrific run-stopper on the edge.

DB

Denzel Ward

Ronnie Harrison Jr.

Grant Delpit

Ward is a great corner when he can stay healthy. Harrison cost just a fifth-round pick to acquire and proved himself as one of the NFL’s better safeties. Delpit was going to shoulder a ton of responsibility as a rookie before tearing his achilles. The recovery from that injury is difficult, but if he can return to near full-strength, his elite versatility in the secondary will do wonders.

Specialist

Jamie Gillan

Charley Hughlett

Gillan took a step backward in 2020, but it’s not like he’s a bad player. He’s still quite cheap too. Hughlett has been a fantastic long snapper since 2014 and there is no reason to expect that to change.