The Opening Drive 6/9: Three Non-QB Position Battles To Watch At Mandatory Minicamp and What Else Can Be Learned This Week

The three days of mandatory minicamp starting today in Berea should leave plenty of information to be gleaned.

Jun 09, 2026

The quarterback competition will dominate headlines throughout the next three days of mandatory minicamp, but it is far from the only storyline worth monitoring. Across the roster, several position battles remain unresolved, while a number of players are competing for larger roles heading into training camp.

From the battle for the final wide receiver spots to questions surrounding the secondary, linebacker depth, and how the revamped offensive line will come together, minicamp should provide valuable insight into where this roster stands. Here are some of the most important competitions and storylines to watch beyond the quarterback room.

Wide Receiver: Who Is In line To Secure Roster Spots?

The top of the Browns’ wide receiver room appears to be taking shape, with Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, and Isaiah Bond all looking well-positioned heading into mandatory minicamp. The real intrigue lies behind them, where several receivers will be battling for what could be just one or two remaining roster spots.

Cedric Tillman remains somewhat of a necessity because of the size he brings to the roster. The physical tools have never been in question, and flashes of his potential continue to show up whenever he is on the field. With a new coaching staff and offensive system in place, Tillman has an opportunity to prove he can become more than just a depth piece and establish himself as a consistent contributor. However, to this point, it has never amounted to more than flashes and hopes.

Tylan Wallace enters camp with a strong case of his own. Beyond what he can provide offensively, Wallace’s value on special teams could prove critical when final roster decisions are made. His familiarity with several members of the coaching staff and ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game give him a legitimate path to securing a roster spot.

Then there is Malachi Corley. The former second-round pick brings a unique skill set with the ball in his hands and has the ability to create yards after the catch. His toughness and leadership make him one of my favorites and a player who can fill a missing component of grit to this unit. I hope he can demonstrate reliability on offense and continue to make plays throughout minicamp and training camp; here’s hoping he can make the 53, but it will be tough.

With roster spots limited and competition expected to intensify once training camp arrives, the mandatory minicamp will serve as an important evaluation period for a group of receivers looking to prove they belong in Cleveland’s long-term plans.

Who Emerges as the Third Linebacker?

While much of the attention at linebacker has focused on Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams, the battle for the third linebacker spot could end up being one of the more important competitions of training camp.

There is little doubt that Schwesinger and Williams are expected to handle the majority of the snaps. Both possess the range, athleticism, and versatility to stay on the field in a variety of situations, making them natural fits for the Browns’ primary defensive packages. The real question is who joins them when Cleveland goes to a traditional base defense or faces opponents determined to establish the run.

At the moment, Justin Jefferson appears to be the early favorite. His physical style of play and ability to take on blocks make him a logical complement to the speed and pursuit ability that Schwesinger and Williams bring to the defense. In heavier personnel groupings, Jefferson’s skill set could allow Cleveland to maintain physicality without sacrificing too much athleticism.

Winston Reid is another name worth monitoring closely. The coaching staff has consistently valued his athletic profile and special teams contributions, and if he can stay healthy, he has the experience and versatility to challenge for meaningful snaps. Reid may ultimately offer the safest option because of his familiarity with NFL defenses and ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game.

Nathaniel Watson remains in the conversation; however, he feels like a bit of a long shot to make the roster at this point. Easton Mascarans-Arnold fits the mold of a Browns linebacker better and had some good moments last year.

Ultimately, this battle may come down to what defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg wants from his third linebacker. If the priority is physicality and stopping the run, Jefferson could have the edge. If versatility and experience become the deciding factors, Reid may have a legitimate path to earning those snaps. Either way, this is a competition worth watching throughout minicamp and training camp, as the winner could play a significant role whenever the Browns move into their base defensive packages.

Cornerback: The Battle for the Nickel Role

The Browns appear set at the top of their cornerback depth chart with Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell expected to handle the majority of the outside responsibilities. Beyond those two, however, there are still meaningful snaps available, particularly in the slot and among the depth pieces that will be counted on throughout a long season.

Myles Harden enters mandatory minicamp as one of the favorites to secure a significant role. The young defensive back flashed encouraging potential when given opportunities and has positioned himself well to compete for the nickel corner job. His versatility and familiarity with the system could give him an early advantage as the coaching staff continues to evaluate the secondary.

The addition of Myles Bryant is intriguing enough to challenge Harden, given his legitimate experience in this role.

At the same time, this remains one of the more competitive position groups on the roster. Several young defensive backs will be looking to make their case for defensive snaps, roster security, and special teams responsibilities. With defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg expected to emphasize versatility throughout the secondary, players who can line up in multiple spots and contribute in various situations may have the inside track.

UDFA Nate Evans has been making some plays in OTAs, and UDFA Michael Coats Jr. has been around the ball a ton, flashing some potential as well.

While the starters appear largely settled, the battle for the nickel role and depth positions is far from over. Mandatory minicamp will provide another opportunity for Harden and the rest of the group to separate themselves before training camp intensifies.

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How Does the Offensive Line Fit Together?

The Browns spent the offseason making significant investments in the offensive line, but one of the biggest questions entering mandatory minicamp is how all of the pieces ultimately fit together.

On paper, Cleveland has improved both its talent and depth up front. The challenge now is to determine the best combination of five starters and identify where each player fits within the larger picture. Several of the Browns’ offensive linemen bring valuable positional flexibility, which is a positive for the roster but also creates questions about how the coaching staff intends to deploy them.

Will the Browns prioritize putting their five best linemen on the field regardless of position? Will certain players cross-train at multiple spots to create additional depth? And how quickly can the group develop the chemistry necessary to operate at a high level in Todd Monken’s offense?

Mandatory minicamp should provide some early clues. Watching where players line up during team drills, which combinations receive the most reps together, and how the coaching staff rotates personnel could offer valuable insight into Cleveland’s plans heading into training camp.

The talent level appears improved across the board, but the offensive line still feels very unsettled. The next few practices may begin to reveal how the Browns envision the line coming together when the regular season arrives. It would be nice to have defined roles in place before they break later this week.

Defining the Safety Roles

Another fascinating storyline entering mandatory minicamp is how defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg plans to deploy his safeties. The Browns have several talented players at the position, but each brings a different skill set to the table, creating a variety of possibilities for how the defense could be structured.

Grant Delpit remains one of the defense’s most versatile pieces. His ability to play deep, operate near the line of scrimmage, blitz, and match up against tight ends gives Rutenberg significant flexibility when designing coverages and pressure packages. The question is whether Delpit settles into a more traditional role or continues serving as the movable chess piece within the defense.

Ronnie Hickman enters the season as one of the more experienced players in the secondary and has shown he can handle a variety of responsibilities. His experience and reliable tackling make him a strong candidate for a significant workload, particularly in situations where communication and alignment become critical.

Then there is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, one of the most intriguing young players on the roster. His athleticism, range, and playmaking ability could allow the Browns to get creative with three-safety looks. If he develops quickly, Cleveland may have the flexibility to disguise coverages more effectively and create matchup advantages against opposing offenses.

The biggest question may not be who starts, but how often Rutenberg chooses to utilize multiple safeties together. With Delpit, Hickman, and McNeil-Warren all possessing different strengths, the Browns could have an opportunity to make the safety position one of the most versatile groups on the entire defense. Minicamp should provide some early indications of how Rutenberg intends to maximize that talent heading into training camp.

Will the Browns Add Another Edge Rusher?

The Browns appear to have a solid foundation at defensive end, but it is fair to wonder whether the front office is completely finished adding to the position group.

Jared Verse is expected to lead the room following the blockbuster Myles Garrett trade, and the Browns have several good pieces in place with Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire. The question is whether the Browns feel comfortable with the current depth or view the position as still needing another proven contributor before the regular season begins.

Pass rush depth is critical in today’s NFL. Injuries are inevitable, and teams rarely make it through a full season relying on just three edge rushers. The Browns have emphasized building strength along both lines this offseason, which makes edge rusher a position worth monitoring throughout minicamp and training camp.

Adding another veteran makes sense, although much has changed with Garrett gone and Rutenburg pulling the levers, a four-man rotation still seems like the best approach. Cleveland’s front office has consistently shown a willingness to remain active throughout the summer if it believes an upgrade is available.

Mandatory minicamp may offer clues about how comfortable the coaching staff is with the current group. If younger players emerge and establish themselves as reliable rotational options, the Browns may stand pat. If questions remain about the depth behind Verse, adding a fourth edge rusher could become one of the team’s priorities before Week One.

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