Browns make first batch of roster moves after pulling the curtain on preseason
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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.
Second thoughts on Browns 33-32 loss to Kansas City Chiefs …
The repercussions of the Browns’ preseason finale were fast and furious.
Jordan Wilkins failed his audition for the RB3 spot with two fumbles in nine offensive snaps. Upon returning from Kansas City, the Browns traded luxury offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr., to the New England Patriots for running back Pierre Strong, a 2022 fourth-round pick from South Dakota State. Pierre is an under-sized back with 4.37 speed who averaged 7.2 yards per rush in his four-year FCS career. 
Jerome Ford's injury and Jordan Wilkins' fumbles forced the Browns to trade for running back Pierre Strong. (Patriots Wire)
Wilkins was among 15 roster moves made by GM Andrew Berry on Sunday to reduce the roster to 75.
The full transaction list:
* Return specialist Jakeem Grant was placed on injured reserve with a torn right patellar tendon.
* Waived were cornerback Caleb Biggers, linebacker Cam Bright, tight end Miller Forristall, tight end Thomas Greaney, cornerback Gavin Heslop, offensive tackle Derrick Kelly, safety Nate Meadors, wide receiver Anthony Schwartz (injury designation), and receiver Jalen Wayne.
* Veterans whose contracts were terminated were Wilkins and guard Colby Gossett.
Berry must reduce the roster to the initial 53 by 4 p.m. Tuesday, after which there will be a few more transactions prior to the Labor Day weekend recess.
And then all energy moves toward the September 10 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But first, a look back at the longest Browns training camp and preseason of the expansion era.
Biggest surprise: Dawand Jones’ stamina.
After two days of rookie minicamp, at which Jones physically struggled, I wrote of the 375-pound rookie tackle, “[Offensive line coach] Bill Callahan will either make him or break him.” We can now say that Callahan is making Jones into a professional tackle, a road-grader with rare nimbleness to pass protect.
Runner-up: Sione Takitaki’s return from ACL surgery in December.
He and Anthony Walker (quad tendon surgery in September) are on course to begin the season on time.
Biggest disappointment: Cade York’s demise.
Having survived the nuances of kicking in Cleveland Browns Stadium as rookie, you figure he’d get better the second time around. But what’s gone on this summer – 5 field-goal misses in 9 attempts, including 3 horrendous game-winning tries, plus a PAT shank that wasn’t close – is simply mystifying. He’s still on the roster … for now.
Runner-up: Jerome Ford’s hamstring injury.
A “week-to-week” injury has now lasted three weeks. His uncertain availability forced the trade for Strong.
Luckiest break: Grant Delpit’s near miss.
When undrafted receiver Jalen Wayne collided into Delpit’s right arm at practice in the team’s cramped fieldhouse on Wednesday, the safety looked seriously injured. It turned out to be a minor scrape of his forearm. Delpit was back the next day. Lots of money was at stake there for this potential free agent.
Worst break: Jakeem Grant’s knee injury.
The return specialist worked feverishly for almost 400 days to fully recover from 2022 Achilles tendon surgery. On his first touch of the ball in his first preseason game in Kansas City, he suffered a severe injury to his right knee – a ruptured patellar tendon -- that will cost him another full season.
Runner-up: Marquise Goodwin diagnosed with blood clots.
He never quite shut it down completely and now has been removed from the non-football illness (NFI) list. His return to the field at some point is now expected rather than hopeful.
Best first impression: Elijah Moore.
The Jets castoff receiver established an early rapport with Deshaun Watson, causing coaches to script plays that put him in a variety of creative positions.
Runner-up: Za’Darius Smith.
A double-digit sack season for his third different team is in offing.Unexpected outstanding player: Austin Watkins.
Cut in the CFL, traded in the USFL, and waived twice in the NFL, Watkins displayed deft route-running and strong hands to seize an opportunity at receiver. He looked like a natural from the day he arrived at The Greenbrier as an afterthought.
Runner-up: Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
He juiced up the early preseason and motivated Berry to give away veteran backup Joshua Dobbs to the Cardinals. Berry’s history of over-rating his draft picks is cause for concern.
Best Greenbrier activity: Exclusive tour of the declassified Cold War-era bunker.
On the heels of the release of the motion picture Oppenheimer, this walk back in time was a history lesson glossed over in high schools.
Runner-up: Playing golf on the Old White course while it was setting up for the LIV Tour.
Seven days later, Bryson DeChambeau scorched the course record with a 58 in the final round to win the LIV Greenbrier.
Best new name: Mohamoud Diabate.
Pronounced ma-MOOD Dee-a-bot-ay.
Runner-up: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.
Call him Obo.
Best quote: “When you have a young rookie player, when you draft them in the fourth round, they’re going to play. Whether you like it or not.” – Bill Callahan.
So true. Especially here.
Runner-up: “Men lie, women lie, but the film doesn’t lie.” – Diabate.
Another truism.
Best hope for a contending Browns season: Jim Schwartz’s defense.
Relentless pass pressure, consistent takeaways, multiple scoring plays … we saw it all from mostly backups. Imagine what the full starting unit will do.
Runner-up: The rust is gone from Deshaun Watson’s game.
No excuses.
