Entering this past weekend, the Cleveland Browns had eight draft picks. While they stayed put for the majority of them, they did trade out of the seventh round, and now have seven rookies joining them for training camp.
They've also added several undrafted free agents and while the majority of these players will be released, there are always a couple that make it to the 53-man roster in Week 1. Here, we look at the four UDFAs who are most likely to make it with the Cleveland Browns.
Browns undrafted rookie No. 4: Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah
Mohamoud Diabate isn't the biggest linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds but he did show off some physicality during his time with Florida and Utah. He proved during his collegiate career that he's a physical player who knows how to get into the backfield.
During the 2022 season with Utah, he had 58 tackles and 13.5 went for a loss. He added 5.0 sacks as well, proving to be a weapon when it came to getting after the quarterback.
Cleveland has proven in recent years they won't shy away from thin linebackers. Both Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah were on the small side with JOK being considered a hybrid safety/linebacker when he entered the league. Wisely, the Browns have kept him at linebacker, which is where he's best.
He has a fair shot of making the team — not only because the Browns don't mind a LB under 230 pounds but also because they're thin at the position. Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki were re-signed on one-year deals but are coming off injuries. So is Jacob Phillips, who seems to be hurt far too often.
That could open the door for Diabate to make it to the initial 53-man roster.
Browns undrafted rookie No. 3: Lonnie Phelps, EDGE, Kansas
The Cleveland Browns have some talent at the defensive end position with Myles Garrett and Ogbo Okoronkwo as the starters. They also have a third round pick from 2022 in Alex Wright, who showed flashes as a rookie. Isaiah McGuire is there as well, a fourth rounder from this season.
Those four players are all locks to make the roster but considering durability concerns they've had in the past, it wouldn't be a shock to see a fifth player on the roster. There's been talk of a veteran addition but it's more likely they allow secon-year player Isaiah Thomas and Lonnie Phelps fight for the job.
As a rookie, Thomas had nine tackles, one sack, and four quarterback pressures. That's not bad for a seventh-round pick but it's also not nearly enough for him to have that final spot locked down. That's especially true when you look at what Lonnie Phelps brings to the table.
Phelps is undersized at 6-foot-2 and 244 pounds but put up some impressive numbers at the Scouting Combine. He turned in a 4.55 time in the 40-yard dash while adding 31 bench press reps – to show he's not just a "speed guy."
He will be given every opportunity to make this team and has the talent to do so.
Browns undrafted rookie No. 2: Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
Cleveland fans were stoked to finally see two Ohio State Buckeyes selected in the NFL Draft by Cleveland. While they've typically shied away from the program, this year was different as they selected offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler.
They weren't done with the draft either as they went out and signed two Ohio State defenders to the roster as undrafted free agents. Safeties Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister were both added shortly after the draft.
McCalister wasn't expected to be drafted but Hickman was seen as a Day 3 prospect. He finished his three seasons with Ohio State by recording 157 tackles and two picks — while deflecting seven passes this season. The problem is, he's not seen as being a great cover corner, which hurt his stock.
The good news for Hickman would be the lack of depth in Cleveland — which makes this the perfect landing spot for a young safety looking to make it.
As of now, the Browns have Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit but behind them, it's anyone's guess what they'll do at safety. That opens the door for Hickman to not only make the team, but to be on the field quite a bit as a rookie.
Browns undrafted rookie No. 1: Hassan Hall, RB, Georgia Tech
Even though they reportedly tried to trade for D'Andre Swift, the Cleveland Browns decided not to add a running back during the 2023 NFL Draft. They did wind up adding to the position afterward though as they signed Hassan Hall from Georgia Tech.
Listed at 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, Hall spent time with Louisville before transferring to Georgia Tech. He never had more than 521 yards in a season but he showed more than enough speed and is a patient runner. He also has experience returning kicks, which could help him land a spot on the roster. And it appears the Browns believe he can do that.
To prove they have faith in Hall as a potential contributor, the Browns elected to give him a guarantee of $125,000 in his deal. This isn't uncommon for Cleveland to dish out big guarantees as they did so with both A.J. Green and Marvin Wilson.
Green stayed with the club and just returned on a one-year deal whereas Wilson was released and ended up with the Philadelphia Eagles. While it's true the guarantees won't keep the player in town, it at least shows they're expected to make a strong case for the 53-man roster.
With tough decisions looming, having a player such as Hall who can fill a spot behind Nick Chubb while also being an option in the return game could be enticing.