Cleveland Browns: Aggressively early look at 53-man 2021 roster
By Greg Newland
Defensive Line
The safest bet of the 2021 season is the two starters at the defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. There is no doubt that Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garret are the starting defensive ends for the season. I expect the Browns to keep two others at the position which will likely be fought for by three players.
Takk McKinley, Curtis Weaver, and Porter Gustin will all be fighting for the last two spots. All have proven they can be effective, and all have struggled with injuries in the past. I look for Gustin and Weaver to be the final two, with Weaver being too fragile. Look for a guy like Joe Jackson to remain on the practice squad in case of further injuries.
Defensive tackle is a position of the unknown now. With Sheldon Richardson gone, the Browns have 5 or 6 capable guys, but it’s tough to say who will step up.
I think it is extremely safe to say Andrew Billings, Jordan Elliot, and fourth-rounder from 2021 Tommy Togiai make the roster, but who starts is another question.
The last spot will likely come down to Marvin Wilson, an undrafted free agent who showed signs of being a first or second-round pick before a down 2020 collegiate season. Or, Malik Jackson, a veteran with experience that could be in the last few seasons of his career.
If Wilson gets in shape and keeps his act together, I think he makes the roster as the fourth defensive tackle and could even see playing time. Jackson was a great addition, but his services may not be needed after strong draft picks of Wilson and Togiai.