Cleveland Browns: 5 long shots who could make the 2021 roster
By Sam Penix
4. Alex Taylor
The Browns have at least 12 offensive linemen who should be on an NFL roster, and Taylor is one of them. It was a surprise to see him go undrafted in 2020, and also for him to pass through waivers unclaimed, allowing Cleveland to stash him on the practice squad. He was active for the team’s Week 17 playoff-clinching victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing a few special teams snaps.
The draw to Taylor is his impressive size and athleticism. He stands 6-8 308 pounds with super long arms and very good athletic ability. He is relatively inexperienced in the game of football, as he primarily played basketball up until 2018.
His best play is likely ahead of him, and offensive line coach Bill Callahan should be able to get it out of him. It will be interesting to see if Taylor will or has trained as a guard, because his best chance at making the team is as a swing lineman, filling the backup role at multiple spots.
His physical talent gives him plenty of potential, and that is not easily moved on from. Cleveland cannot keep all its offensive linemen, but Taylor has a shot at proving himself in year two.