Cleveland Browns: 53-man roster prediction for defense

Defensive Line:

The Cleveland Browns look to be set at defensive end this year. With the arrival of Jadeveon Clowney to pair with Myles Garrett, that duo should be dynamic. Takk McKinley and Porter Gustin look to be the primary backups at defensive end, with the only question being if Woods will look to keep four or five pass rushers.

Given the flexibility of Clowney to move inside, look for Curtis Weaver to get a shot at this roster. He’s a young guy with a lot of talent who can’t get over the injury bug. Given his ceiling, expect Woods to dress five edge rushers, which means no surprise cuts.

The interior defensive line had the most turnover from 2020, with Jordan Elliott the only real returner. So far, it appears that Andrew Billings and Malik Jackson are leading the way as starters, with Elliott and rookie, Tommy Togiai as the backups.

This will be a position with all four of these guys getting similar snaps. The starters may get 60 percent, but both Elliott and Togiai will be utilized heavily because of their ability to rush the passer.

Marvin Wilson was the big undrafted free agent for the Browns in 2021. He has first-round talent but has struggled to put it all together on the field and has been unmotivated at times. Should Woods want to give him a shot on the active roster, you could see five defensive tackles on the roster, and only four ends.

At this point in time, I think there is a better shot at the Browns trying to keep Wilson on the practice squad. I don’t see a scenario where Billings, Jackson, Togiai, and Elliott aren’t on the opening day roster.