Browns 53-man Roster Prediction

The Cleveland Browns are a little over one week away from having to cut their roster down to 53 players. Who will make the team and what potential moves will be made heading into the season opener?

The Cleveland Browns are just over one week away from needing to trim the roster to 53 players. The following is my prediction of moves the team will make.

Quarter Back - 3

Deshaun Watson

Josh Dobbs

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

With the new three quarterback rule on game day, I think keeping three makes sense. I would expect DTR to be listed as the emergency QB until late in the season.

Running Back - 3

Nick Chubb

Jerome Ford

Demetric Felton

No real surprises here but I wouldn't be surprised by a waiver claim after all cuts are made. Adding a fourth back could be feasible if Felton could handle return duties.

Wide Receiver - 6

Amari Cooper

Elijah Moore

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Cedrick Tillman

David Bell

Austin Watkins Jr.

Watkins is safe for the moment but I wouldn't be surprised if they try to get him to the practice squad after initial cuts. Perhaps a wide receiver with more speed becomes available that the team would take a shot on after cutting Anthony Schwartz. I expect Goodwin and Woods to be added to the Non-football Injury List which would give each a chance to return later in the year.

Tight End - 3

David Njoku

Jordan Akins

Harrison Bryant

No surprises here. Look for Mitchell-Paden or Greaney to end up on the practice squad.

Offensive Line - 9

Jedrick Wills

Jack Conklin

Dawand Jones

James Hudson

Joel Bitonio

Ethan Pocic

Wyatt Teller

Nick Harris

Luke Wypler

Somehow, the offensive line has ended up as the position group that I have the most questions about. In my prediction, we may appear to be light at backup guard, but I wouldn't rule out Harris coming in at center and Pocic sliding out to a guard spot in case of an injury. Chances are also good that we can get one of our current backups to the practice squad. Cutting Wheatley is tough based on his play and I'm hoping to get him to the practice squad. 

Defensive End - 6

Myles Garrett

Za'Darius Smith

Ogbo Okoronkwo

Alex Wright

Isaiah McGuire

Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas makes it here so that he can be moved to injured reserve. This will allow him to return later and protects him from a potential waiver claim. I don't expect Alex Wright to be added to IR even though he may miss the first couple of weeks.

Defensive Tackle - 4

Dalvin Tomlinson

Shelby Harris

Siaki Ika

Jordan Elliott

I have a hard time putting Elliott on the 53 but his contract situation may deem it necessary. I only went with four guys here to allow for Thomas to go on IR. I expect Maurice Hurst to be brought back once the move is official. As a vested veteran he can not be claimed by another team and would need to sign a deal.

Linebacker - 6

Anthony Walker Jr.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Sione Takitaki

Jordan Kunaszyk

Tony Fields

Mohamoud Diabate

No real surprises here if the team keeps six. Diabate is an intriguing player and if I am the Browns, I am not taking a chance on losing him.

Cornerback - 6

Denzel Ward 

Martin Emmerson Jr.

Greg Newsome

A.J. Green

Cameron Mitchell

Mike Ford

The loss of Thomas Graham for the year has simplified things in this room and we have seen enough good in Mitchell's play to solidify his spot. Ford will be impactful defending in the kick return game and play some in the slot.

Safety - 4

Grant Delpit 

Juan Thornhill

Rodney McCloud

Ronnie Hickman

It is tough to cut D'Anthony Bell here but Hickman could be a real find. His youth and pedigree win out and getting Bell to the practice squad seems more realistic.

Special Teams - 3

York

Hughlett

Bojorquez

If York has a bad game against Kansas City, this could certainly change things. The kicker spot here could easily remain empty for a few days as the team hosts kickers. The spot on the roster could be used to protect another player from being picked up by another team.

Priorities for Practice Squad

I want to see the following guys stick around on the practice squad.

Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Jaelon Darden

Michael Dunn

Sam Kamara

Charlie Thomas