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Cleveland Browns vs. Falcons: 5 Players who must show out in Preseason Week 3

By Sam Penix

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Defensive tackle Malik McDowell #58 of the Cleveland Browns blocks running back Corey Clement #30 of the New York Giants during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 22: Defensive tackle Malik McDowell #58 of the Cleveland Browns blocks running back Corey Clement #30 of the New York Giants during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 22: Offensive guards Colby Gossett #72 and Blake Hance #62 of the Cleveland Browns run a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. OL Blake Hance

The Browns have the NFL’s best starting offensive line, and also one of the deepest. They have already and will be forced to cut quality players who deserve to be on rosters, and who will be, just not on Cleveland’s. Playoff hero Blake Hance is fighting for perhaps the eighth or ninth depth spot, and he’s doing it by showing versatility. A guard by trade, he filled in as emergency left tackle in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, and played center last week against the Giants. He hasn’t been great in the preseason, but having a player who can play tackle, guard, and center is rare.

Hance may not be the most refined or the most athletic backup the team has, but his playoff experience and versatility are extremely valuable. With Chris Hubbard, Michael Dunn, and James Hudson assured roster spots, Hance is battling Drew Forbes and Nick Harris for a job, and the last lineman on the roster should probably be able to play multiple spots. Forbes has played both guard spots, but never kicked out to tackle, where he played in college. Harris filled in at guard in 2020, but he should be a center only.

He’ll be on a team this season, but Hance’s time with the Browns may not be done just yet.

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