Deep End Roster Decisions Coming Down To Wire For Browns


Deep end roster decisions coming down to wire for Browns

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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Takeaways from Browns training camp Day 15 …


The Browns are in the homestretch of selecting their 53 roster. Realistically, only a few roster spots will be decided over the last three practices, following a day off Tuesday, and the final preseason game in Kansas City.


Some developments on the following roster opportunities occurred at Sunday’s practice, the first since the team returned from Philadelphia:


* Third running back


For the first time, Jordan Wilkins worked with the No. 2 offense ahead of Demetric Felton, John Kelly and Hassan Hall.


With Nick Chubb unexpected to play and Jerome Ford still out with a hamstring injury, Wilkins could be the running back lined up behind Deshaun Watson when the No. 1 offense takes the field in Kansas City. A decent showing could catapult him ahead of the others for the RB3 role.


Ford’s injury was described as “week to week,” which puts him tightly against the first week of preparation for the Cincinnati opener. Wilkins, 29, was signed on August 12, just before the team departed for the practices in Philadelphia. He got through the game OK with 18 yards on three carries and one catch for eight yards.


Wilkins might not have the cache of recently-signed veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, but he does have 54 NFL game appearances, including four starts with the Colts in 2018-19. Overall, Wilkins has 1,009 yards rushing (4.9 average) and four touchdowns, and has caught 78.8 percent of passes targeted him, 41 of 52, for 262 yards.


If Wilkins doesn’t pass his audition in Kansas City, it’s possible the Browns would eye the 53 cuts for an experienced back in the same minimum-salary price class. The surplus of backs with the Eagles was well-noted by the Browns’ hierarchy in the Philadelphia joint practices and game.


* Fifth and sixth wide receiver


Preseason sensation Austin Watkins repped exclusively with Joshua Dobbs and the No. 2 offense on Sunday as he continued to climb the depth chart.


Watkins has overcome a lot since joining the team in West Virginia following the diagnosis that Marquise Goodwin would be out indefinitely with blood clots. Goodwin very well might open the season on the non-football illness list, which wouldn’t count him on the 53 but would keep him eligible for return midway through the season.


That opens an unexpected slot in the receiver room after top four Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Cedric Tillman.


Watkins has been unquestionably better than all the others, but he still has to overcome the stigma of not being drafted by the club to unseat either David Bell or Anthony Schwartz, or both.


Complicating this decision is the expected return of Jakeem Grant as full-time return specialist and part-time receiver. Grant probably would be considered WR6 in that case, leaving only WR5 open. He did get reps with the second-team offense on Sunday.


Can Austin Watkins overcome the stigma of not being drafted by the Browns and knock off receivers who were? It's coming down to the wire. (Cleveland Browns)

 



* Fifth linebacker


Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jordan Kunaszyk have been the healthy starters through camp. All the while, Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki have been effectively managed to the point they may get their first game action in Kansas City. Even if not, they appear to be tracking for the season opener.


So that leaves one spot open, possibly two.


Tony Fields probably is first in line. After him, the new name to watch is Mohamoud Diabate, who played fantastic in the Eagles game and offers something all the others don’t – good size.


The new development was the return to full team drills of Matthew Adams, who was signed in free agency to fill the last linebacker spot and to be a core player on special teams. Adams played for special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone four seasons with the Colts. 


Adams suffered a calf strain on July 25. He did practice some in Philadelphia but did not play in the game.

* Fourth safety


This is another position dependent on special teams play and could be stretched to a fifth safety, also.


After the top three, D’Anthony Bell was considered No. 4 throughout training camp. But undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman (three interceptions) from Ohio State and a former Buckeye teammate, Tanner McCalister, have been impressive of late.


Safeties coach Ephraim Banda made note of McCalister on Sunday during a discussion about Bell and Hickman.


“People forget about how well TMac played last week,” Banda said. “I mean, he had seven tackles, he had a PBU, he had a sack coming off an injury with no practice. So you’re seeing young guys raise the level, and then you’re seeing other guys trying to touch it, and it’s just bringing the whole room up.”


Brownie bits


Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed what he originally announced on the first day of training camp at The Greenbrier. Starters WILL play in the final preseason game in Kansas City on Saturday. “We’ll play the starters probably 20 to 25 plays,” Stefanski said. “There are some guys that will hold out from the game as well, but we’ll talk about that maybe later in the week.” Probabilities to be held out include Nick Chubb, Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Za’Darius Smith …


Right tackle Jack Conklin cleared concussion protocol and was back in practice but left early. Also walking off early were cornerback Cameron Mitchell and receiver Anthony Schwartz …


Receiver Elijah Moore (ribs) and cornerback Greg Newsome (groin) were back to full go after their recent injuries ... 

Deshaun Watson had success in a 7 on 7 red zone period, connecting with David Njoku, David Bell and Amari Cooper for scores.