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Cleveland Browns: 5 Players who increased their stock in Preseason Week 2 Victory

By Sam Penix

Aug 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back John Kelly (49) scores a touchdown in front of the defense of New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back John Kelly (49) scores a touchdown in front of the defense of New York Giants cornerback Rodarius Williams (25) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 22: Cornerback Rodarius Williams #25 of the New York Giants is unable to stop running back John Kelly #49 of the Cleveland Browns from scoring during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 17-13. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. RB John Kelly

The Browns will probably end up keeping four running backs (Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, D’Ernest Johnson, and Demetric Felton), a fullback (Andy Janovich or Johnny Stanton), and potentially a fourth tight end (Jordan Franks or Connor Davis), so Kelly has virtually no chance to make the final roster, but that’s not the only thing at stake for him. He’s auditioning for Cleveland’s practice squad, as well as 31 other rosters around the league, and he looked really good against New York.

After getting too greedy at bouncing runs outside against the Jags, Kelly hit his holes harder on Sunday, totaling 58 yards and a touchdown on nine carries and turning his one reception into 21 yards, breaking multiple tackles along the way. He looked like a player who belongs in the NFL, and other teams likely took notice. If he repeats that performance against the Atlanta Falcons, it’d be a huge surprise to see him pass through waivers unclaimed.

Perhaps the Browns could get something for him in a trade, but Kelly is a running back, and teams aren’t investing much capital in that position anymore. Well, most teams anyway.

Kelly is in a very similar position to wide receiver Davion Davis; they are quality players with too much talent ahead of them in Cleveland, but most teams don’t have rosters as good as the Browns. They’ll both play in the NFL, just probably not with the Browns. And that’s okay.

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