Browns have multiple undrafted free agents that we should keep an eye on during OTAs

The Cleveland Browns are back on the practice field in Berea this week to begin their organized team activities. While attendance is voluntary until the mandatory minicamp that is held from June 11-13, expect many members of the team to be in attendance including Deshaun Watson for at least some.

OTAs start the season pretty much for these players and it is crucial for undrafted free agents specifically to hit the ground running. Each year we see it easiest to cut UDFAs because there is no draft connection there, so they’ll be pushing harder to make the team

G Javion Cohen

Cohen had a draftable grade from just about anyone you would talk to in draft circles. Still, he did not get drafted and the Browns were lucky enough to sign him as an undrafted free agent.

Cleveland did go out and get Zak Zinter in the third round at the position, so the two could be competing on the depth chart. Zinter is going to make the team, while Cohen is going to battle for his spot.

If an undrafted free agent from this go-around makes the team, it is most likely to be Cohen.

TE Treyton Welch

Cleveland did not draft a tight end and as it currently stands Jordan Akins is the only pass-catching tight end behind David Njoku. The Browns watched Harrison Bryant walk in free agency after four years with the team.

Welch produced at Wyoming and even if they weren’t eye-popping numbers, Welch left his mark with 77 catches for 874 yards in college. Out of need, we at least have a player who could make the practice squad here.

RB Aidan Robbins

I was a little surprised that the Browns didn’t draft a running back, even if they did sign two in free agency. While Nyheim Hines is more of a return man, D’onta Foreman is going to provide depth behind Jerome Ford until Nick Chubb is back.

Robbins is a bruiser of a back at 6-foot-3 and can impact the game catching the ball just like he does taking a handoff. Another player that may have a spot on the practice squad.

S Ronnie Hickman

Hickman is the only player from last year’s undrafted free agents that I am including here. With injuries piling up last year, the Browns had to start Hickman in four games. Overall, the former Buckeye appeared in 10 games.

As a rookie, Hickman had 25 tackles and one interception to his name. While Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill are still the top two safeties, I look for Hickman to take over that fourth spot behind Rodney McLeod. If he can do so, D’Anthony Belk won’t be on the roster in 2024.