3 Cleveland Browns losing leverage on roster spots

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins, facing, chats with teammates Jarvis Landry, left, and Odell Beckham Jr. during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Berea, Ohio.Brownscamp30 14
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins, facing, chats with teammates Jarvis Landry, left, and Odell Beckham Jr. during NFL football training camp, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Berea, Ohio.Brownscamp30 14 /
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Cleveland Browns
Sep 6, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker Curtis Weaver (99) pressures Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Isaiah Green (17) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Curtis Weaver – Defensive End

A guy that came into this offseason with a lot of excitement was defensive end, Curtis Weaver, the fifth-round pick from Boise State. After being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Weaver was scooped up by Berry off waivers and has continued to work to get healthy.

Weaver was a dominant collegiate player and was the Mountain West defensive player of the year in 2019, with 34 total sacks while at the college level. However, injuries have just been a lot for Weaver to overcome, and the Cleveland Browns are now loaded at the position.

Myles Garrett and Clowney have solidified themselves as options no. 1 and 2, but the backups appeared to still be up for debate. Takk McKinley, Porter Gustin, and Weaver are all up for two likely positions on the 53-man roster.

McKinley continues to struggle with being on the field and was recently excused for personal reasons.  If that becomes a serious issue, he could be the odd man out. However, if that is handled and he returns to practice (as many expect), Weave could be the odd man out.

McKinley will get a shot just because of how high his ceiling is.  He was really starting to produce in Atlanta before an injury. I give Gustin the nod over Weaver as well, just because the Browns know what they are getting. A steady guy who can fill in when guys get tired and not give up huge plays.

There is a lot to yet be decided, but Weaver’s dreams of playing in the NFL may continue to another team.