53-man Browns roster: 3 takeaways from initial roster
By Randy Gurzi
2. This 2021 Browns roster is deeper than we’re used to
This is not your father’s Cleveland Browns team. Or maybe, not your older sibling’s Cleveland Browns team because it really wasn’t that long ago they were struggling just to field a complete team. Now, they suddenly have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, and that was evident when they waived a few players who really stood out in the preseason.
One of the biggest names was wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge who did just about everything he could during the preseason to try and convince Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski to keep him on the roster.
In addition to his work in the passing game during their three exhibition games, Hodge has always been one of the best special teams guys on the roster. Even so, it wasn’t enough for him to crack this talented 53.
Another talented player let go was Porter Gustin, the former undrafted defensive end who had played well in two seasons for the Browns. Gustin wasn’t threatening to make any Pro Bowls but he held up well against the run and could log significant snaps.
There’s also the offensive backfield. The Browns let fullback Johnny Stanton and running back John Kelly go on Tuesday after they both had great performances in the preseason. Kelly ran like a wild man and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a running back-needy team snatch him up. As for Stanton, he deserves to be a starter in the NFL but couldn’t beat out Andy Janovich who is top-three in the NFL at the position.
With all that being said, none of the players who were let go were superior to the ones they kept. Meaning, the right moves were made and Cleveland simply had an abundance of talent, which is a wonderful problem to have.