What I like and don’t like about the Browns’ initial 53 roster
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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 cutdown to 53 …
For the past two years I’ve believed the Browns fielded their best rosters of their expansion era. And then they finished 8-9 and 7-10.
So I’m going to say it again. The roster that was unveiled after 21 roster moves on Tuesday is the best of the Browns’ expansion era.
Why should we think this season will turn out differently from the past two?
I think the game-changers are defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone.
Safety Rodney McLeod called Schwartz a culture-changer. You can see what he means by that. Through the preseason, the defense looked as if its culture definitely has been changed. The attack mentality permeated all depths of the defense and resulted in turnovers and points. Last year, the defense couldn’t get off the field, allowing opponents to convert 39.5 percent of third downs. In four exhibition games, the new defense lowered that figure to 15.2 percent.
After a slow start, I see the same thing happening with the special teams. Kicking problems aside, there was noticeable improvement in tackling and fewer penalties. The return units were dealt a blow by the season-ending injury to Jakeem Grant. But I trust that Ventrone will compensate and improve the coverage units, as well.
So, that leaves the offense. Frankly, I don’t know what to expect. It should be better and I’m pretty sure it will be better, but we didn’t see enough of the first team in preseason to accurately speculate how much better it will be.
But if the defense and special teams are as good as they appear, this should be a team to contend in the brutally-tough AFC North till the end.
As for the initial make-up of the 53 roster, there are things I like and don’t like.
* I like having eight players 30 and older – tight end Jordan Akins (31), left guard Joel Bitonio (31), receiver Marquise Goodwin (32), defensive tackle Shelby Harris (32), kicker Dustin Hopkins (32), long snapper Charley Hughlette (33), safety Rodney McLeod (33), and defensive end Za’Darius Smith (soon to be 31). The Browns have been too young for too long. True playoff contenders have a core of 30+ players. Actually, I’d like to see two more – at backup quarterback and backup offensive tackle. But that’s not going to happen.
* I don’t like having a fifth-round rookie as the top backup quarterback. Listen, Dorian Thompson-Robinson had a nice rookie training camp. But to entrust this important position to him alone is not right. The trade of Joshua Dobbs was unnecessary. Coach Kevin Stefanski initially said he feels good about DTR assuming the role of QB2, but then conceded, “There’s a lot that goes into playing that backup role that, really, he just doesn’t know yet because he’s being taught.” The Browns definitely will add a third quarterback in the coming days. I’m hoping it’s a legit backup QB with game experience.
* I like that they loaded up with seven linebackers. Now, Jordan Kunaszyk is expected to be put on short-term injured reserve before the opening week. His roster spot probably will go towards another position. But linebackers double as core special teamers, and Ventrone has some good ones in Matthew Adams, Sione Takitaki, Mohamoud Diabate, Tony Fields and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
* I don’t think I like the final resolution at kicker. No doubt, Hopkins is a better kicker, more dependable and tried-and-true than young Cade York, who spazzed out for some reason. Stefanski said that GM Andrew Berry zeroed in on “a veteran that’s been very reliable and accurate over the course of his career.” I think two others would have been better choices – Robbie Gould, who, admittedly, was not signed by any team, and Nick Folk, who was traded by New England to Tennessee for the same compensation the Browns gave up for Hopkins (2025 seventh-round pick). Over the last two seasons, Folk has a better overall field-goal make percentage (89.4 v. 88.6) than Hopkins and in makes of 50+ yards (69.2 v. 37.5). Plus, Hopkins has had hamstring problems. Another kicker is needed on the practice squad for insurance against another Hopkins injury.
Receiver Marquise Goodwin, who missed all of training camp with blood clots, was happy to be back at practice in time to ready himself for the season opener. (TheLandOnDemand)
* I like the way previously injured or rehabbing players have been managed to be ready for the start of the season. Linebackers Anthony Walker and Takitaki will be full go. Goodwin, running back Jerome Ford, and tight end Harrison Bryant returned to practice on Tuesday and should be active v. Cincinnati.
* I don’t like having young draft picks as the only backup offensive linemen – tackles James Hudson and Dawand Jones, and interior linemen Nick Harris and Luke Wepler. Hopefully, the Browns will be able to bring back versatile lineman Michael Dunn, who may take the place of short-term IR-bound Kunaszyk or defensive end Alex Wright.
* I like the fact Goodwin is back on track to contribute on offense. His return secured the last wideout spot and was the reason camp sensation Austin Watkins didn’t make the 53. Hopefully, Watkins will clear waivers and return via the practice squad.
Brownie bits
Among the roster casualties you might see the Browns sign to the practice squad besides Watkins are safety Tanner McCalister, receiver/returner Jaelon Darden, defensive end Lonnie Phelps, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. As for York, Stefanski said, “For sure, yes,” he’d like him back. York might want a change of scenery, however …
Watson and receiver Elijah Moore were absent from practice because of sickness. Cornerback Denzel Ward is in concussion protocol. Stefanski would not speculate on Ward’s availability for Cincinnati …
Hopkins arrived at Browns headquarters after practice.
