8 Cleveland Browns falling behind in training camp

Eight Cleveland Browns players who may not be having the training camp they would have liked.

The Cleveland Browns play their first preseason game on Saturday, marking the beginning of the end of training camp.

It’s been a productive time for the team, with players like Donovan Peoples-Jones and Mack Wilson drawing rave reviews.

Others haven’t done quite as well for themselves. Here are eight players who are falling behind, in one way or another.

8. Demetric Felton

When he was drafted, there was a clear path to the roster for Demetric Felton. He could provide depth at running back, wide receiver, and kick returner. That versatility theoretically made him more valuable than third-stringer D’Ernest Johnson, but at this point, Felton isn’t guaranteed anything.

He is a converted WR, so running between the tackles isn’t something that comes naturally to him. He is reportedly seeing the majority of his reps at WR, which is fine, except he has practically zero chance to make the team that way. The Browns are six deep at the position, and won’t be cutting KhaDarel Hodge to make room for Felton.

Felton has to prove his worth as a runner, but the hard fact is that there doesn’t seem to be much of a role available for him this season, which makes it difficult to give him a spot on the roster. He’s listed as the fourth-string RB and isn’t even on the depth chart as a returner. It’s unlikely the team drops a tight end or fullback Andy Janovich to make room for him, either. Perhaps Felton will suffer a mysterious “injury” at some point and land on injured reserve.

7. Drew Forbes

Despite the game clearly moving too fast for him, Forbes was one of the team’s five best offensive linemen during the 2019 preseason. He hasn’t played since then, spending his rookie year on IR and opting out of 2020. He’s a fantastic athlete and a perfect scheme fit, and has long been discussed as a potential heir to either Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, or even to Jack Conklin.

Right now though, Forbes needs to focus on making the team. He’s listed as the third-string left guard behind Michael Dunn and reportedly hasn’t been getting many snaps with the second team. The Browns have a logjam on the OL, and there are plenty of eager players waiting to take Forbes spot.

6. Malik McDowell

Perhaps the team’s second-most-talented player, Mailk McDowell has spent much of the offseason nursing various injuries, watching from afar with his bucket hat on. Given this could very well be his last chance at an NFL career, McDowell needs to get healthy in a hurry and start displaying the immense talent he possesses.

He’s currently a fourth-string defensive tackle, and the Browns could keep as few as four in that room, with six being the absolute most. McDowell can absolutely contribute in 2021, but he has to be on the field to do that.