Cleveland Browns: Sorting out bottom of 2021 roster tougher than usual

3. Cleveland Browns defensive line

The Browns are either going to take five ends or five tackles.

Defensive tackle is particularly tricky to figure out, because Andrew Billings, Malik Jackson, Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai are being considered locks. That means Sheldon Day, who’s been making plays in the preseason is out if the Browns only keep four player at the position.

The same would be true Malik McDowell, who looked good in his lone preseason appearance last Sunday.

We’re all intrigued by McDowell, but perhaps the front office will lean on the fact that the 2017 second-round pick not playing in four years will turn other teams off, clearing a way for him join the practice squad.

At defensive end, the Browns the obvious locks are Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney. If Takk McKinley is healthy, he’ll be your third guy. Remember, the Browns really, really liked the lineman and tried to acquire him twice in a trade last season.

That leaves Curtis Weaver, Porter Gustin and Joe Jackson battling for the last spot if the number of spots available is set at four.