Cleveland Browns: Final roster prediction comes with a few surprises
By Caleb Baum
Practice Squad
The Browns drafted Donnie Lewis Jr. because they felt he had long-term potential. He could very well sneak onto the back-end of the roster. However, he is more than likely going to end up on the practice squad and continue his development. If an injury occurs, maybe he will get his shot then.
Wyatt Ray was one of the draft surprises when he went undrafted. I don’t think many expected him to be drafted high, but when you can rush the passer, you will usually get drafted. I expect him to make the practice squad. Right now, there is just too much depth with the pass rushers for him to crack the roster.
A.J. Ouellette could make the practice squad as insurance for the Browns running back depth. He has shown some potential in camp and in the preseason games.
NFL teams are allowed to carry 5 players on their practice squad. I like Willie Harvey Jr. and Daniel Ekuale to make the practice squad but more than likely the Browns will use those final two spots on a couple of younger players who didn’t make another NFL team.
The Browns seem to really like what they see in Willie Wright. He currently sits at #2 on the depth chart. However, I don’t see him making the team over Forbes and/Corbett. Therefore, his logical landing spot should be the practice squad where the Browns can develop him further.
PREDICTION: Donnie Lewis Jr., Wyatt Ray, A.J. Ouellette, Willie Wright, 1 other player