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3 under radar Cleveland Browns who could make 53 man roster

By Grant Puskar

Aug 20, 2021; Berea, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) throws a pass as Cleveland Browns safety Jovante Moffatt (35) and cornerback Emmanuel Rugamba (37) and defensive tackle Malik McDowell (58) defend during a joint practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2021; Berea, OH, USA; New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) throws a pass as Cleveland Browns safety Jovante Moffatt (35) and cornerback Emmanuel Rugamba (37) and defensive tackle Malik McDowell (58) defend during a joint practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Marvin Wilson, left, Kyle Markway, Malik McDowell and Romeo McKnight run a play during the Cleveland Browns Rookie Minicamp Friday, May 14, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. /

No. 1: Malik McDowell

When it comes to the Browns as a whole, the defensive side of the ball is one of the more intriguing parts of the roster. While they did have multiple solid draft picks and free-agent signings, I still believe letting some of their guys go was a mistake.

Before last season, the Browns signed ex-Bengal Andrew Billings, who proceed to not play a snap last year after opting out of the season due to COVID-19. In the off-season, the Browns let Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi walk, two guys who were key pieces to their defensive line in years past. Now, they are in a position where they seem to be a bit thin on the interior of their defensive line.

While it has only been two pre-season games, Billings does not look like the tackle we thought we were getting when we signed him. And so far, in camp and in pre-season action, Malik McDowell has impressed heavily as he looks to earn a spot on the roster.

McDowell was the Browns highest-graded defensive player in Sunday’s win against the Giants, with a grade of 91.7 as he had the Browns only sack and totaled 4 tackles.

The Browns signed Malik Jackson in the offseason to help boost production on the line, so you have to think he earns a spot in the final 53. Jordan Elliot continues to get better as well, along with Sheldon Day, who has also looked decent.

Next. 5 Things we learned from Browns win against the Giants. dark

McDowell getting a roster spot or not will come down to if they value tackles or linebackers more. Who’s more valuable? Mack Wilson or Malik McDowell? While this is just one example, those two position groups still have lots of work left to do, and lots of question marks.

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