Who should be the final 53 players for the Cleveland Browns?
By Chad Porto
Defensive Backs
Linebackers
Keep: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker, Sione Takitaki, Jordan Kunaszyk, Tony Fields
Cut: Jacob Phillips, Chris Odom, Dakota Allen,
Some are going to be surprised with me cutting Jacob Phillips but I’ve watched him catch runners for going on three years now, and honestly, I’m good. I’m not keeping him on just because he’s an Andrew Berry Buddy and therefore cutting a guy like Jordan Kunaszyk who has a nose for the ball, or Tony Fields, who has multi-positional versatility. Chris Odom looked good but he was never going to make the team, and his injury Saturday night didn’t help.
Also, I know some are going to get antsy with me including the linebackers in a “defensive back” category but that’s really what they are. It’s literally in their name Line*back*ers.
Cornerbacks
Keep: Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, Greg Newsome, A.J. Green, Martin Emerson
Cut: Herb Miller, Shaun Jolly, Lavert Hill
I thought Shaun Jolly played very well this preseason, I would like to keep him on the practice squad. Unfortunately, there’s just too much depth here. Some fans have turned on Greedy Williams but I saw him play last year and he’s better than average at the position. I’m not seeing the issues there. Greg Newsome could be great, and while I wouldn’t consider Denzel Ward elite, I’m also not getting rid of him. AJ Green and Martin Emerson have both done enough to be on the team but I’m still not sure who gets the go at the fourth spot. Emerson can stick some cats, but Green’s got better movement in coverage.
Safeties
Keep: John Johnson III, Grant Delpit, Ronnie Harrison, Richard LeCounte III
Cut: D’Anthony Bell, Jovante Moffatt
Don’t believe the hype, these safeties absolutely suck. I’d cut all four of them if I thought I could even slightly improve at the position. John Johnson and Grant Delpit will be fine against the run but they were part of a unit that ranked 9th in the NFL with 29 passing touchdowns given up. The team needed to upgrade the position and keep a guy like M.J. Stewart, instead, we’re keeping Ronnie Harrison and Richard LeCounte, two guys so inept at their jobs that they were giving up touchdowns to the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields. Uncontested.
People who think this defense is going to be good could be in store for a very rude awakening.
Special Teams
Punter Corey Bojorquez