Cleveland Browns: Breaking down roster by probability of making team
By Cory Kinnan
Probable:
QB Drew Stanton
That is coach Stanton to you. He has been a valuable asset to the team, and it is likely he lands on the roster while the Browns stash a rookie quarterback on the practice squad for the future.
With the trade rumors swirling with Duke Johnson and the suspension of Kareem Hunt, Hilliard looks to be safe at this point. The Browns have rostered three running backs in recent years, a spot Hilliard held down a year ago.
OT Drew Forbes
The Browns are excited about their sixth-round pick this year in Forbes. Back ends of draft classes are never locks to make the team, however.
Hubbard is one a tradeable contract, and if a team calls in need of a tackle with starting experience, the Browns could make a move and trade him. Drafting a tackle and signing another in free agency, Hubbard could lose his starting spot but ultimately land as the swing lineman.
OT Kendall Lamm
OG Eric Kush
C Kyle Kalis
Relatively unknown until OTAs where he has been given the first-team right guard reps to replace Kevin Zeitler. He is looking safer and safer after every practice.
DE Chris Smith
Signed by the new regime a year ago. After standing pat on defensive line depth in the draft, Smith is looking safe to make the team this year as well.
While the Browns may want to move on from Kirksey, who has only been a shell of himself since getting a massive extension, he carries a heavy cap burden which makes him too expensive to move on from.
Signed this offseason, will more than likely be the first linebacker in relief in case of injury and is has a proven track record of a solid special teamer.
CB T.J. Carrie
Excelled in the nickel last year while struggling on the outside. Carrie carries a heavy cap burden and would be too expensive to cut.
The starter opposite Ward a year ago, Mitchell finds himself in one of the deeper rooms on the roster with one of the most expendable contracts. While he is still probable to make the roster, this context makes him a potential cap casualty.
CB Donnie Lewis Jr.
S Eric Murray
Received in exchange for Emmanuel Ogbah, Murray looks to take the place of the departed Briean Boddy-Calhoun as the Browns’ nickel safety/cornerback hybrid.
A standout from OTAs, the Browns may have their big nickel linebacker/safety player and a sufficient replacement for Jabrill Peppers this season. Whitehead is looking like a great find on the waiver wire and appears safe to make the roster at the moment.
K Austin Seibert
After being selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, Seibert will be given every benefit of the doubt in the kicking battle this summer.
Carrying an expendable $2.7 million cap hit, Colquitt could become a casualty this summer as the Scottish Hammer is rising in popularity in Cleveland.