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Cleveland Browns: Winners and losers from Preseason Week 2

By Cody Williams

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: D'Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: D'Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Winners

Garrett Gilbert, QB

Drew Stanton may be entrenched as Baker Mayfield’s backup for the 2019 season. However, AAF product Garrett Gilbert is at least making it a conversation as to if he should stick around on the final roster. He was phenomenal as the starter against the Colts, finishing his time going 13-of-19 for 152 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

As a player who was one of the stars in the AAF, Gilbert could be valuable as a backup and, if he doesn’t stick with Cleveland, he’s making a case for any of the other 31 teams around the league to consider bringing him in as a backup.

The Defensive Front

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Whether it was Olivier Vernon and Larry Ogunjobi with the first-team defense or the likes of Eric Murray, Genard Avery, Wyatt Ray and Trevon Coley after the starters left the field, the Browns defensive front was fierce against the Colts. There were concerns about the depth of this group, particularly at defensive tackle. However, if players keep stepping up in this manner, those concerns will continue to be lessened.

D’Ernest Johnson, RB

Another player that was impressive in the AAF, running back D’Ernest Johnson got the start for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday and showed that he has some juice. Johnson took 10 carries for 53 yards, showcasing solid abilities as a ball-carrier while also notching three catches for 26 yards and a touchdown. Particularly with Kareem Hunt suspended to start the year, Johnson is going to be hard to keep off the 53-man roster.

D.J. Montgomery, WR

Undrafted rookie D.J. Montgomery has plenty of fans coming out of Austin Peay and he continues to show why. The wide receiver was a force for the offense when on the field, making plays time and again, including showing off some big-play ability. Montgomery finished the night with three catches for 77 yards. If that keeps up, he should have a good case to make the 53-man roster.

Drew Forbes, OL

While the Browns offensive line left a lot to be desired (we’ll get to that) beyond some of the starters, 2019 sixth-round pick Drew Forbes came in and submitted an impressive outing. This is a player that needed plenty of refinement coming out of Southeast Missouri State but has been showing up well in practice. If that can continue to translate in games, he might move up on the depth chart consistently.

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