The 2023 Cleveland Browns training camp is now through its first official week. With veterans reporting last Friday, it’s safe to say that the NFL season has officially started. Remember, the Browns first preseason game is next Thursday vs. the New York Jets.
For the most part, a lot of this roster will be the same in 2023 on the offensive side of the ball. Elijah Moore will be the big addition at wide receiver, but Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, and Nick Chubb will continue to be the focal points.
On defense, it’s a little different. Juan Thornhill, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Za’Darius Smith will all be new starters, and Jim Schwartz will now be leading the unit. The offense always takes longer to gel, but there will likely be some learning curves on the defensive side of the ball.
As we head into week two of camp, here are three players trying to earn a bigger role for the 2023 season.
Cleveland Browns Player No. 3: Jordan Akins
One of the more underrated signings this offseason was the former Texans tight end, Jordan Akins. Not only is this guy a fantastic pass-catching tight end, but he also has some history with Watson from 2018 to 2020.
Akins never turned into an elite tight end, but for the final two seasons in Houston, he didn’t have a ton of great quarterback play either. Yet in 2022 he started only three games yet managed to haul in 37 passes for 495 yards with a staggering 13.4 yards per catch.
I’m not saying he is going to take David Njoku’s spot in the 2023 season but look out for Akins to prove that he should be on the field and force Kevin Stefanski into more two-tight-end looks.
Cleveland Browns Player No. 2: Elijah Moore
In direct competition with Akins (in a way), newly acquired Elijah Moore will also be looking to earn a spot on the field this training camp. The former second-round pick struggled in his first two seasons with the Jets but will be looking to solidify a starting spot on this roster.
If Moore blows it out of the water (which some suspect), he could take over the second wide receiver position pushing Donovan Peoples-Jones down the depth chart. DPJ had a stellar 2022 season, but he also hasn’t solidified himself as the No. 2 guy on this roster.
Moore has a bit of it all. He's small and agile to use in gadget plays, but he also has strong hands and the ability to go up and win the 50/50 ball. I see him working in the slot a lot and being extremely dangerous on crossing routes in man-to-man situations.
I think you’ll see Stefanski focused on throwing the ball more in 2023 compared to years past. Everyone thinks he’s in love with running the ball, he just hasn’t had a quarterback who can sling it quite like Watson.
If things go well, there is a real chance that both Moore and Akins have big seasons for the Browns and are a big part of this team's success.
Cleveland Browns Player No. 1: Martin Emerson
A player that had a huge role for the Cleveland Browns in 2022 but could see fewer snaps in 2023 is Martin Emerson. The phenomenal rookie stepped up in a huge way with injuries last season, but to begin the year Greg Newsome and Denzel Ward will likely be the starting corners.
There's no doubt that Emerson will be the nickel corner and see a good amount of snaps, but if he continues to develop and improve from last season, there is a real chance that he pushed Newsome down the depth chart.
Remember earlier this offseason when there were rumors that Newsome wanted out of Cleveland? Are you trying to tell me he doesn’t know that this kid Emerson is extremely talented?
Emerson doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he is extremely long and uses his leverage well. He must get better as a tackler to stay on the field, but at least he isn’t afraid of contact which is a great start.
I’m thrilled to have someone as talented as Emerson in the role of the nickel corner but don’t be surprised if that changes quickly. Emerson plays with heart and Schwartz may quickly fall in love with that.
The good news is a little competition never hurt a roster. Emerson playing well may bring out the best in others.