Browns: Pre-training camp roster depth chart prediction (all 53 players)

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 14: Defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns struggles with offensive tackle Orlando Brown #78 of the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 14, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Defense – (42 to start)

Same deal as the last time, the players being kept are going to be mentioned right next to the position, while the players cut will be shown down below.

Defensive End: Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Takk McKinley, Curtis Weaver, Porter Gustin
Reason: Frankly, the defensive ends are arguably better interior players than the actual defensive tackles. Myles Garrett lined up inside last year at times, and guys like Jadeveon Clowney and Porter Gustin could do some real damage if needed on both the edges and inside.

Defensive Tackle: Andrew Billings, Jordan Elliot, Malik Jackson, Tommy Togiai
Reason: There was a strong urge to cut Jordan Elliot and just run with three defensive tackles while using Clowney and Gustin to fill in. All eyes will be on Tommy Togiai as he looks to prove his draft position wasn’t a reach.

Linebackers: Sione Takitaki, Anthony Walker, Jacob Phillips, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Tony Fields II, Mack Wilson
Reason: Mack Wilson just made the cut, as with the tackles, there was an urge to just go with five, but Wilson is a better player than some of the corners that were cut, and plus, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Tony Fields will probably see time as a defensive back in the Browns’ defensive scheme. So you’ll still need depth when they play out of position.

Cornerbacks: Denzel Ward, Troy Hill, Greg Newsome II, Greedy Williams, A.J. Green, M.J. Stewart
Reason: These are simply the six best corners the Browns have on paper, it’s not a hard puzzle to solve.

Safeties: John Johnson III, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Harrison Jr, Richard LeCounte
Reason: Part of me wanted to cut Ronnie Harrison and keep Drew Forbes. With Fields and Owusu-Koramoah being hybrid players, you could run with just three natural safeties and still have depth at the position but with Grant Delpit and Richard Lecounte’s injury history, it’s best to air on the side of caution.

17 Players Cut: DE Joe Jackson, DE Cameron Malveaux, DE Romeo McKnight, DT Sheldon Day, DT Malik McDowell, DT Damion Square, DT Marvin Wilson, LB Malcolm Smith, LB Montrel Meander, LB Elijah Lee, CB Kiondre Thomas, CB Emmanuel Rugamba, CB Robert Jackson, CB Brian Allen, S Jovante Moffatt, S Sheldrick Redwine, S Elijah Benton.

Final Roster Number: 25

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