Cleveland Browns roster: 3 backups who will see most time in 2021

2. Takk McKinley, EDGE

Takk McKinley was the first EDGE the Browns brought in this offseason, but even at the time of his signing, it was unlikely he’d be starting opposite Myles Garrett. That role will be filled by Jadeveon Clowney, but McKinley will play a big part in the 2021 Browns defense for multiple reasons.

First, defensive coordinator Joe Woods loves to rotate his line in and out to keep everyone fresh and healthy. Injuries to key players prevented him from doing a lot of that on the edge in 2020, but that should change this season. McKinley will be the primary spell for both Garrett and Clowney, with Porter Gustin, Malik McDowell, and Curtis Weaver fighting for one or two other depth spots.

Second, McKinely provides something that the other rushers on the roster do not; speed. Clowney did run a 4.53-second 40-yard dash back in 2014, but his injuries have likely robbed him of that level of speed.

McKinely ran a 4.59 in 2017 and still appears to have that burst and long speed on tape. The Browns play a certain running quarterback twice per season, and having McKinley lined up wide could certainly help with controlling that player.