Cleveland Browns: Final 53-man roster prediction

Defensive Line

Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, Sheldon Richardson, Olivier Vernon, Chris Smith, Chad Thomas, Devaroe Lawrence, Trevon Coley, Anthony Zettel

The starting front four for the Cleveland Browns this year should be nothing short of incredible. But even the second and third units made some noise in the preseason. Smith and Thomas are both suitable pass-rushing subs at defensive end and will look to grow and develop as players behind Garrett and Vernon.

The player who made a name for himself arguably more than anyone else on the Browns this preseason is Devaroe Lawrence. Lawrence lived in the backfield, racking up sacks in preseason games and impressing coaches at practices. Lawrence’s emergence could make Coley a bit more expendable, similar to the release of Jamie Meder last offseason, but I think he sticks for now. They also go with veteran experience and versatility with Zettel who can play any position on the defensive line.

Linebackers

Joe Schobert, Christian Kirksey, Genard Avery, Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki, Adarius Taylor, Ray-Ray Armstrong 

The Browns are expected to run primarily out of a 4-2-5 defense, so we will likely see just two backers on the field most of the time. That will unquestionably be Schobert and Kirksey. The two leaders of the defense will man the middle of the field.

Genard Avery can play all over the defense, but they list him at strong-side linebacker on the depth chart so that’s where he falls on this list. If three backers are on the field, Avery will be the third. He can stand up and drop in coverage or put a hand on the ground and rush the passer. Avery is already proving to be a steal from the draft last season and will find a way to make an impact in 2019.

Rookies Wilson and Takitaki have shown glimpses of greatness but both need some time to develop their game. They will make the team, but sit and learn behind Schobert and Kirksey.

Taylor is a player that had a very good offseason, solidifying himself a roster spot and maybe even a rotational slot onto the field even with the talented backers around him. Armstrong could be released but I think his special teams prowess and veteran leadership will get him a spot.

Cornerbacks

Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, T.J. Carrie, Greedy Williams, Eric Murray

This is where I have the Cleveland Browns going a little thin on the 53-man. There are four clear spots secured and a ton of uncertainty after that. Ward was a top-four pick and a Pro Bowler a year ago and will be looked at to become a true elite corner this season.

Mitchell proved himself as the starter opposite of Ward with a strong offseason despite the addition of talented corner Greedy Williams as Cleveland’s first pick of the draft. Williams will start the season on the bench, but he isn’t going anywhere. Carrie should begin the season as the team’s starting slot corner, although the expectation is that we are likely to see three safeties on the field quite often.

The last corner spot, or two or three, is a real question mark. They may opt to keep another true corner, but I think they try to stash a couple of the younger corners (Pipkins and Lewis) on the practice squad. I’m putting Murray here with the corners as he is often utilized as that slot defender, but his versatility and background as a safety (and experience in KC with Dorsey) get him the nod for a roster spot.

Safeties

Damarious Randall, Morgan Burnett, Jermaine Whitehead, Sheldrick Redwine 

Randall has solidified himself as a top free safety in the league after making the move back there from corner in Cleveland and is another true leader on the defense. His former Packer teammate Morgan Burnett will look to accomplish a similar feat, switching back to strong safety after playing free in Pittsburgh last year. He should be out there with the first-team defense next Sunday.

Whitehead is the guy that many expect to see as sort of the “extra” starting safety in the Steve Wilks, new-look Cleveland Browns defense this year. Redwine was selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft and has a ton of potential but still has a way to go until he reaches it. He will make the team but likely won’t see the field too much as a rookie.