3 Takeaways From the Browns' First Unofficial Depth Chart

The Cleveland Browns released their first unofficial depth chart Wednesday, and it confirmed plenty of what we already suspected. But a few things stood out. Here are three in particular.

The Browns Aren't Joking Around With Their QB Competition

The first place your eyes go on the depth chart is the quarterback spot, looking for clues about who's starting.

Of course, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson are listed on the same line. There are no clues to be gleaned.

Watson is the presumed favorite to win the job, given his experience, lucrative guaranteed money and strong recent performance at camp. But Sanders and Watson are the only two players sharing a line on the chart, confirming that the starting job is still very much up for grabs.

Cedric Tillman Is on the Bubble

Denzel Boston's ascent to WR3 put Cedric Tillman squarely on the roster bubble.

Tillman is listed as a backup wide receiver behind Boston on the depth chart. The 2023 third-round pick was seventh on the team in receptions (21) but was second among Browns wide receivers, behind only Jerry Jeudy.

Still, the numbers aren't in the veteran's favor. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Tillman is now competing with Isaiah Bond and Tylan Wallace for the WR4 job.

Bond has a friendlier contract, and Wallace knows head coach Todd Monken from their time together with the Baltimore Ravens. Tillman's stock drops further because he doesn't play special teams — he has just 23 special-teams snaps in three seasons.

That's where the depth chart also tells a story. Gage Larvadain and Malachi Corley are listed as the team's punt returner and kick returner, respectively, with Bond and Dylan Sampson as their backups.

Most teams won't keep more than six wide receivers. Right now, Tillman looks like No. 7, at best.

Easton Mascarenas-Arnold Is a Starter

The Browns have a track record of finding diamonds in the rough, especially on defense, and Mascarenas-Arnold is another.

Mascarenas-Arnold has been battling Winston Reid and Nathaniel Watson for an inside-linebacker spot. But he has asserted himself as a starter, landing at No. 1 on the depth chart while also filling in as the defensive signal-caller with Carson Schwesinger out with an unspecified injury.

"Anytime a player has an opportunity to get on the grass, it's exciting to see them succeed," Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg said. "He's done an amazing job in the reps he's getting, playing within our style of defense, communicating at a high level and doing his job."

As with any role on this roster, nothing is guaranteed. But going from undrafted free agent to starter — especially at inside linebacker — is no small accomplishment.