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Cleveland Browns roster projections 2024: Resetting 53-man depth chart after NFL draft
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- Cleveland Browns roster projections 2024: Resetting 53-man depth chart after NFL draft
The 2024 NFL draft and the subsequent rookie minicamp have come and gone. The Cleveland Browns had six rookies in their draft class and signed another eight undrafted rookie free agents .
Even before the start of the next phase of the offseason program , it's already time to start looking ahead to how the Browns' personnel could look come the start of the season. One thing to understand about this projection specifically is the uncertainty of a number of players who may start the season on injured reserve — which can be done now thanks to a new rule change — which could mean someone else is left off this projection.
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Anyway, here's a way-too-early 53-man roster projection and depth chart prediction :
Quarterbacks (3)
Deshaun Watson , Jameis Winston , Dorian Thompson-Robinson
This is position one assuming good health by the time the final cuts are made. If so, then the decision comes down to keeping free-agent signee Tyler Huntley or second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The guess is that general manager Andrew Berry repeats what he did with Joshua Dobbs last year and flips Huntley for a draft pick to a team needing a potential starter.
Wide receivers (5)
Amari Cooper , Jerry Jeudy , Elijah Moore , Cedric Tillman , Jamari Thrash
Cooper, Jeudy, Moore and Tillman are absolutes. After those four, though, it could be interesting. Part of it comes down to how many they keep. If it's six, then both Thrash and 2022 third-round pick David Bell stay. If it's five, it's Thrash vs. Bell, at least here, and let the training camp fight commence.
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Running backs (4)
Nick Chubb , Jerome Ford , Nyheim Hines , D'Onta Foreman
Nick Chubb very well could start the season on injured reserve as he returns from the knee injury, which immediately throws everything about this projection off. If that's the case, then Pierre Strong Jr. is the fourth running back here.
Tight ends (3)
David Njoku , Jordan Akins , Giovanni Ricci
You could tell me that Ricci doesn't make it and undrafted free agent Treyton Welch does as the No. 3 tight end. Or that they find a way to keep both, since Ricci's primary job seems to project to be as the next fullback/H-back. Or, option No. 3, this position remains a work in progress after the Pro Bowler Njoku right up until the season.
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Offensive linemen (11)
Center: Ethan Pocic , Brian AllenGuards: Joel Bitonio , Wyatt Teller , Michael Dunn, Zak ZinterTackles: Jedrick Wills Jr. , Jack Conklin , Dawand Jones , Hakeem Adeniji , James Hudson III
Just put a big asterisk over this entire group here, because the various recovery processes for the big three tackles — Wills, Conklin and Jones — makes everything else a guess. If all three are good to go by late August, one of the other tackles likely goes. But what if one of them, for whatever unforeseen reason, isn't ready? That's the lingering question.
Defensive linemen (9)
End: Myles Garrett , Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Alex WrightTackle: Dalvin Tomlinson , Maurice Hurst II, Michael Hall Jr., Shelby Harris , Quentin Jefferson
Two 2023 draft picks, Siaki Ika and Isaiah McGuire , were left on the cutting-room floor. At least one may have been a result of the trickle-down effect of other positions and the injury uncertainty.
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Linebackers (5)
Outside: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah , Mohamoud DiabateInside: Jordan Hicks , Tony Fields II , Nathaniel Watson
It seems like a two-linebacker look may be something to watch for a lot this season for Jim Schwartz's defense. However, the impact the new kickoff rule has one this position, along with others, in terms of keeping guys on the 53-man will be a fascinating subplot going right up to the deadline.
Cornerbacks (5)
Denzel Ward , Greg Newsome II , Martin Emerson Jr., Cameron Mitchell, Justin Hardee
The top four feel secure. Hardee is listed here because "special teams aces" wasn't a section on this projection. Seventh-round pick Myles Harden and second-year pro Kahlef Hailassie could find there way on if they're viewed as big special-teams pieces.
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Safeties (5)
Grant Delpit , Juan Thornhill , Rodney McLeod , D'Anthony Bell, Tony Brown
The top four, much like at cornerback, feels right assuming good health. Brown was signed as a special teams performer, which a background connecting him to special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone . Where's Ronnie Hickman ? He may have been someone who got edged out because of other position groups and trying to guess about injury situations.
Special teams (3)
Punter: Corey BojorquezKicker: Dustin HopkinsLong snapper: Charley Hughlett
Cade York and Lucas Havrisik were both brought back this offseason after having been on the roster and then moving on, for one reason or the other. Are the Browns debating putting Hopkins, who kicked at a Pro Bowl level until getting hurt in Week 16, through a camp battle to earn his job? If not, again, why bring back York in particular.
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Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns 53-man roster projection: Depth chart guess after 2024 draft
