Four Roster Battles to Watch Tonight
The Cleveland Browns will play in their third preseason game of the season tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles. With not knowing how the Browns will approach their final preseason game next week against Kansas City, tonight may be the final opportunity for guys on the 90 man roster to make the team.
Unlike past years, so much of our roster depth is made up of proven players brought in during free agency or recent draft picks with upside. This means there aren't too many roster spots up for grabs.
I have identified four roster positions that aren't completely settled along with two players who I think the decision may come down to at each spot. Their performance tonight could be considered make or break.
Safety - D'Anthony Bell vs Ronnie Hickman
With the expectation of only keeping four safeties on the 53 man roster, the last open spot comes down to a competition between Bell and Hickman. Bell, is probably the favorite in the clubhouse here after making the team last year and what he provides to special teams. Hickman is coming off of a game where he intercepted two passes and was flying around making tackles. Another good performance for Hickman tonight could make the decision a very difficult one.
Linebacker - Matthew Adams vs Mohamoud Diabate
Adams practiced for the first time since the beginning of training camp this week. Tonight should be his first action of the preseason. He was a free agent signing during the offseason and has played well on special teams during his career. Diabate is an undrafted free agent who has been a standout on defense this preseason. He is athletic and rangy with his long arms and I think getting him to the practice squad may not be as easy as we originally assumed.
Defensive Tackle - Jordan Elliott vs Maurice Hurst
With the addition of Shelby Harris, there is probably only one spot left at defensive tackle. Due to Elliott's reworked contract, one would think he has the advantage. Based on actual play on the field, Hurst has certainly outplayed Elliott as both have seen their fare share of snaps and even been asked to play late into games.
Wide Receiver - Jakeem Grant vs Austin Watkins Jr.
Any conversation of the team's final receiver spot would have to begin with Marquise Goodwin. With his status up in the air with a serious medical condition (blood clots), we have no idea of an expected timetable for his return.
Assuming that Goodwin will remain out, we have to look at others to fill the final receiver spot. Grant hasn't been able to go in either of the team's first two games. It appears as if he was a full go earlier in the week for joint practices. In order for Grant to make it, he will have to show he still has the juice vin the return game.
Watkins Jr. leads the team in receiving this preseason and has stood out during training camp. He has a real shot of being this year's Cinderella story if he can have another great game tonight.
If healthy Jaelon Darden would also receive consideration here, however, it looks like he will not play tonight after not being able to practice this week.
