Browns 53-man roster prediction at start of training camp

Training camp starts this week for the Cleveland Browns and it's safe to say fans everywhere are ready for football to return. Once camps start rolling, things will move quickly as teams decide which players will make their initial 53-man roster.

For the Browns, there are a lot of positions already set. That doesn't mean we won't see some surprises when the final cuts are announced. With that being said, here's a prediction of how that roster could look when the Browns host the Cowboys.

Quarterback (3):

Deshan Watson
Jameis Winston
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

This feels like an easy one with Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the QBs. The only way this changes is if DTR's hip injury is still an issue. If not, Tyler Huntley will prove to be a camp arm.

Running Back (4):

D'Onta Foreman
Jerome Ford
Nyheim Hines
Nick Chubb

If Nick Chubb is placed on the PUP list, he will miss the first six games. He might feel behind but he's still making strides in his rehab. He avoids the list but might still miss the first couple of games. Until then, D'Onta Foreman and Jerome Ford will split duties with Nyheim Hines serving as a receiving back and returner.

Pierre Strong, Jr. is left off the team in this prediction, which isn't an easy move. He's not only a threat to break a bug run but he can return kicks. The same can be said of Ford, however, and the front office seems to have more faith in him than most. That keeps him in town despite the struggles he had down the stretch in 2023.

Wide Receiver (5):

Amari Cooper
Jerry Jeudy
Elijah Moore
Cedric Tillman
Jamari Thrash

Amari Cooper should be signed soon. He's an elite playmaker who never gets the respect he deserves. Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore are WR2 and WR3 but don't sleep on Cedric Tillman following a strong offseason. Rookie Jamari Thrash rounds out this list.

David Bell is the odd man out, which is a tough cut. If the Browns go thin somewhere else, maybe he survives.

Tight End (3):

David Njoku
Jordan Akins
Giovanni Ricci

Tight end is another position where we won't see much drama. David Njoku and Jordan Akins have their spots locked down. Giovanni Ricci could be forced out but it won't be easy, especially since he can play fullback.

Offensive Line (10):

Tackle:
Jedrick Wills
Jack Conklin
Dawnad Jones
Hakeem Adeniji

There's a belief Dawand Jones can start over Jack Conklin at right tackle but even if he doesn't, the Browns have three tackles they believe can start. Hakeem Adeniji is the fourth, forcing James Hudson off the roster.

Guard:
Joel Bitonio
Wyatt Teller
Zak Zinter
Michael Dunn

Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller have been studs at guard and that won't change this year. Zak Zinter was a third-round pick from Michigan and could start as early as 2025 — depending on what happens with Bitonio, who is set for free agency. Michael Dunn edges out Javion Cohen, but the undrafted rookie is someone to watch out for.

Center:
Ethan Pocic
Luke Wypler

Ethan Pocic remains the starter and Luke Wypler can play guard and center. He has to prove he's better than Brian Allen, but Allen's injury history could help Wypler win that battle.

Defensive Line (9):

EDGE:
Myles Garrett
Za'Darius Smith
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Alex Wright

2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett is the best defender in the NFL — and there have been several lists that agree. Za'Darius Smith rejoins him after signing a multi-year extension in the offseason. On the bench, the Browns have Ogbo Okoronkwo and Alex Wright. Both played well in 2023 and should continue to make strides under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Defensive Tackle:
Dalvin Tomlinson
Shelby Harris
Michael Hall, Jr.
Quinton Jefferson
Maurice Hurst

Dalvin Tomlinson was everything the Browns hoped he would be when they signed him to a huge deal in 2023. He doesn't fill up the stat sheet but he's a lane-clogger who eats up blockers. Next to him will be Shelby Harris, who re-signed after a strong season in 2023.

On the bench, we go with rookie second-round pick Michael Hall, Jr. and free agent addition Quinton Jefferson. Last is Maurice Hurst, who should be kept over Siaki Ika. The Browns might feel like they need to keep Ika since he's supposed to be a run-stuffer but unless he's made huge strides over the offseason, that would be a mistake.

Linebacker (5):

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Jordan Hicks
Mohamoud Diabate
Tony Fields
Nathaniel Watson

A surprise move comes here as Devin Bush is left off the roster. He was signed in free agency but the upside Mohamoud Diabate and Nathaniel Watson possess should be enough. It's also hard to see Tony Fields being let go — and JOK and Jordan Hicks are locks.

Cornerback (6):

Denzel Ward
Martin Emerson
Greg Newsome II
Cameron Mitchell
Justin Hardee
Tony Brown

Cleveland has an elite secondary led by Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome II. Fifth-round pick Cameron Mitchell was solid as a rookie, especially in the slot. The Browns know the value of special teams which is why Justin Hardee and Tony Brown are here. Both were signed to provide help on coverage units and while it led to the earlier release of David Bell, Cleveland keeps both players in this prediction.

Safety (5):

Juan Thornhill
Grant Delpit
Rodney McLeod
Ronnie Hickman
D'Anthony Bell

Juan Thornhill was praised for being active on social media until fans decided he didn't live up to expectations. Then, his social media usage became a problem as he was attacked often this offseason.

He looks to silence the critics while Grant Delpit is coming off a breakout campaign and has developed into the weapon we thought he was coming out of LSU. Rodney McLeod returned for his final season but it might be hard for him to keep D'Anthony Bell and Ronnie Hickman from taking snaps away.

Specialists (3):

Dustin Hopkins, K
Corey Bojorquez, P
Charley Hughlett, LS

If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

This is the Browns' approach to the three specialists and it's refreshing. After years of struggles in the kicking game, Dustin Hopkins has given them someone to rely on. He recently signed an extension and will again be joined by Corey Bojorquez, who has been a field-position weapon. Charley Hughlett is the long-snapper and does his job so well that we never even know he's there.