News broke on Saturday that the Cleveland Browns landed Jerry Jeudy in a trade with the Denver Broncos. A former first-round pick, Jeudy has 3,053 yards and 11 touchdowns on 211 receptions in four seasons but he never lived up to his draft status.
Due to that, Denver had been rumored to be shopping him for some time and their desire to close a deal might have been sped along after releasing Russell Wilson, which led to more than $80 million in dead money. That means there's nothing left to extend anyone, so they decided it was best to move on from players such as Jeudy.
For the Browns, it means their draft plans could be altered. They no longer need to focus on wide receiver at pick No. 54. This had been a major need for them but now, it's safe to say they're set with their top four players — at least. With that being said, let's check out the depth chart as a whole to see how the roster is looking ahead of the new season.
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
No shockers here. The Browns will start Deshaun Watson as long as he's healthy. They would like to bring Joe Flacco back as the QB2 but for now, DTR occupies that spot.
Running Back
Nick Chubb
Jerome Ford
Pierre Strong
The only change to watch here would be a rookie or free-agent addition leapfrogging Jerome Ford. Nick Chubb might not be at 100 percent by Week 1 and Ford didn't do enough to keep the starting job in his absence.
Wide Receiver
Starters:
Amari Cooper
Elijah Moore
Jerry Jeudy (Slot)
Reserves:
Cedric Tillman
David Bell
Michael Woods
When all is said and done, Jerry Jeudy might be second in targets — at least when it comes to wideouts. David Njoku will still be either No. 1 or No. 2 behind Amari Cooper. Even with this being the case, Jeudy might not be the technical starter on the outside.
Elijah Moore is better on the boundary than he is in the slot and Jeudy is vice versa. With Deshaun Watson healthy (that's an assumption there), there will be more three wide receiver sets, so there will be no shortage of options for those three.
Behind them, Cedric Tillman returns after a disappointing rookie campaign. He edges out David Bell and Michael Woods rounds out the group — although he might be on his last chance with the team.
Tight End
Starter:
David Njoku
Reserves:
Jordan Akins
Zaire Mitchell-Paden
David Njoku went off in 2023. He finished first on the team in receptions (81), second in yards (882), and first in receiving touchdowns (6). The seven-year pro turned into one of the best in the entire game and his arrow is still pointing up. Behind him is Jordan Akins who was less than thrilling in his first year with the Browns. Zaire Mitchell-Paden rounds things out and has yet to see the field in a regular season game.
Offensive Line
Starters:
Jedrick Wills (LT)
Joel Bitonio (LG)
Ethan Pocic (C)
Wyatt Teller (RG)
Jack Conklin (RT)
Reserves:
Dawand Jones, T
James Hudson, T
Luke Wypler, C/G
Dawson Deaton, C/G
Leroy Watson, T
Cleveland's offensive line has all the talent to be one of the best in the NFL. They just don't have the durability.
By season's end, Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin, and Dawand Jones were all on the IR. They should be concerned about Conklin going forward but can't get out of his contract just yet. Thankfully, Jones didn't miss a beat when he came in.
Outside of Jones, the rest of the reserves are question marks. Expect Cleveland to add at least one, maybe two, rookies in the upcoming draft.
EDGE
Starters:
Myles Garrett
Alex Wright
Reserves:
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Isaiah McGuire
Isaiah Thomas
With Za'Darius Smith gone, Alex Wright is poised to be the starter. That could change if the Browns get another veteran in free agency but he proved he was ready last year.
Defensive Tackle
Starters:
Dalvin Tomlinson
Siaki Ika
This is the thinnest position on the roster — well, not literally since Dalvin Tomlinson is the smaller of their two D-tackles at 325 pounds. Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst, and Jordan Elliott are all pending free agents. Even if they don't return, this position will look different by Week 1.
Linebacker
Starters:
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Tony Fields II
Mohamoud Diabate
Another thin spot, the Browns have just three linebackers on the depth chart right now. Anthony Walker, Sione Takitaki, and Jacob Phillips are all free agents. JOK will be a starter but the others will wind up as reserves.
Cornerback
Starters:
Denzel Ward
Martin Emerson
Greg Newsome II (Slot)
Reserves:
Cameron Mitchell
Kahlef Hailassie
Vincent Gray
Much like the wide receivers, there are technically three starters at corner. Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson are excellent on the outside and Greg Newsome found his niche in the slot. There are rumors he could be traded which would elevate Mitchell into his role.
Safety
Starters:
Grant Delpit
Juan Thornhill
Reserves:
Ronnie Hickman
D'Anthony Bell
Grant Delpit is another player who broke out in 2023 and earned a massive extension. Juan Thornhill was up and down in his first season in Cleveland but has the skills to be a solid deep safety. Both Ronnie Hickman and D'Anthony Bell impressed when forced to play, making this a deep unit.