3 Cleveland Browns starters that could be replaced by start of 2022 season

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Anthony Walker #4 of the Cleveland Browns argues a call with referee Undrey Wash during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Anthony Walker #4 of the Cleveland Browns argues a call with referee Undrey Wash during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield chats with tight end Harrison Bryant before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Cleveland. /

Cleveland Browns 2022 Starter replacement No. 3: Harrison Bryant, Tight End

Right now, after the release of Austin Hooper, the 2021 fifth-round pick, Harrison Bryant is likely feeling good about his chances of being the second tight end on the depth charts in 2022.

Bryant was a real surprise at the beginning of the 2021 season when he jumped David Njoku for the second spot after a great camp and preseason. It wouldn’t last long as Bryant had some struggles catching the ball and Njoku continued to show why he was a former first-round pick.

Kevin Stefanski utilizes two tight ends as much as any coach in the NFL. With the release of Hooper (which wasn’t shocking), I do expect them to be in tight end market this weekend in the draft. I don’t see them drafting a guy in Round 2, but certainly a possibility in rounds three or four.

I think the Browns like Bryant, but he did himself no favors towards the end of 2021. If he isn’t careful and doesn’t show a lot of improvement during camp, you could very well see a rookie starting at the second tight end spot in week one of the 2022 season.

There are a number of athletic guys in this year’s draft, who would only have to prove they have the ability to block an NFL defender before being thrown into action.