With three preseason games now in the rearview mirror and the roster-cut deadline almost upon us, it's time for Andrew Berry, Todd Monken, and the Cleveland Browns to make some tough decisions and cut the training camp roster down to an initial 53 players.
Most of the Browns' rookies have made a strong impression and a big case to start the season on the team, including late-round additions and undrafted free agents. As for the veterans, Cedric Tillman's departure might be just the first of many.
The Browns entered the offseason with several questions throughout the roster, some of which remain unanswered. But with time running out, let's take a deep dive into the likeliest scenario for Monken's first official depth chart.
Will the Browns keep four quarterbacks? Our final projection says yes
Quarterback (4): Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green
There it is. After months of speculation, we expect the Browns to carry four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. Dillon Gabriel balled out in his preseason start, albeit against backups, but he's done just enough to secure a spot.
As for Taylen Green, he's extremely raw, but the team seems too high on his athleticism and physical traits. The quarterback situation will continue to be a talking point in Cleveland; this is just the beginning.
Wide receiver (6): Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, Luke Floriea
Notable omissions: Gage Larvadain, Malachi Corley
Luke Floriea made it almost impossible to cut him. It was a tight battle with Gage Larvadain right until the end, but that final preseason game may have sealed the deal. Floriea probably would have made the team last season if it weren't for an injury.
The Browns have enough versatility in the room to carry just five wide receivers, and perhaps they'll do that, with Floriea as the first man up off the practice squad. For now, we like his chances of making the cut.
Running back (3): Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders
Notable omission: Ahmani Marshall
With the Browns carrying six wide receivers, Ahmani Marshall will have to get the axe here. He didn't do much to separate himself from Raheim Sanders, who gets the nod as the more physical back of the two.
Fullback Michael Burton was another option to make the cut, but with rookie tight end Carsen Ryan also getting some work at the position, the Browns don't need to carry a traditional fullback. Burton is also a vested veteran, so the Browns could release him with idea of bringing him back after the final numbers game gets sorted out.
Tight end (3): Harold Fannin Jr., Blake Whiteheart, Carsen Ryan
Notable omission: Joe Royer
Rookie Joe Royer missed training camp to attend to an undisclosed personal matter. As a result, he likely won't be with the team come Week 1, with the NFL's non-football injury/reserve list a potential stash option.
The tight end position has been a big headache for this team throughout the offseason. We would expect Cleveland to keep making moves and maybe even hit the waiver wire over the coming days.
Offensive line (10): Spencer Fano, Elgton Jenkins, Tytus Howard, Teven Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Austin Barber, Parker Brailsford, KT Leveston, Luke Wypler, Dawand Jones
Notable omissions: Kingsley Eguakun, Zak Zinter
The Browns' new-look offensive line was a bit of a mixed bag in the preseason, as expected, but there's a lot of versatility within the group. Rookie Spencer Fano is locked in at left tackle, but they have plenty of depth at most positions.
Rookie Parker Brailsford couldn't do much in training camp due to a wrist injury, but Austin Barber showed strong flashes during the preseason at guard. He's also the leading candidate to be the team's swing tackle, but keeping KT Leveston and Dawand Jones gives them some insurance.
Defensive line (9): Jared Verse, Isaiah McGuire, Mason Graham, Derek Barnett, Mike Hall Jr., Adin Huntington, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Khordae Sydnor
Notable omissions: Julian Okwara, Logan Fano
The Browns' defensive line depth took a big hit when they lost Alex Wright for the season. They also made multiple attempts at signing a veteran defensive end before agreeing to terms with Derek Barnett, so that might still be a concern.
Adin Huntington gives the group some versatility at multiple spots, and Khordae Sydnor was a surprising bright spot in the preseason. Fans should also expect to see Mike Hall Jr. line up at defensive end in certain packages.
Linebackers (5): Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Justin Jefferson, Winston Reid
Notable omission: Nathaniel Watson
Rookie fifth-round pick Justin Jefferson hadn't done much to assert himself before the preseason finale, but the team liked him and thought he could have a role on special teams. He may not play much on defense, though.
Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger missed most of training camp with an injury, but it shouldn't limit him whatsoever. As for Winston Reid, he'll go toe-to-toe with projected starter Easton Mascarenas-Arnold for playing time.
Cornerbacks (6): Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Michael Coats Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Myles Harden, Tre Avery
Notable omission: D'Angelo Ross
The Browns are alarmingly thin at this position. They will most definitely dig around in the waiver wire for more help at cornerback, as they're a Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell injury away from a potential crisis.
Michael Coats Jr. looks like a steal as an undrafted free agent and won't have to miss time after an injury scare. Mekhi Blackmon didn't get to play in the preseason, but as a former third-round pick and late-camp addition, he's likely earmarked for a roster spot at least to start the season.
Safeties (4): Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Chris Edmonds
Notable omission: Donovan McMillon
The Browns may have the most underrated safety room in the NFL. Even Chris Edmonds, who got burned in coverage a couple of times in the preseason, deserves some attention after being the team's top ball-hawk in training camp.
Rookie Emmanuel McNeil-Warren might need some time to get a longer leash, but the instincts and closing speed are mesmerizing. As for Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, they're just criminally overlooked.
Special teams (3): Andre Szmyt (K), Cody Bojorquez (P), Rex Sunhara (LS)
No surprises here. Andre Szmyt looks like the most reliable kicker this team has had since Phil Dawson, and Cody Bojorquez is also one of the best in the business. In terms of returners, KC Concepcion should get extensive work on punts, with Dylan Sampson and Tylan Wallace alternating kick-returning duties.
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