The Opening Drive 8/22: The Final Five Position Battles for the Browns Roster
It's now or never for the fringe making lasting impressions.
The NFL has turned this week into the most important week for a large contingency of players fighting for roster spots. The league’s decision to carry full 90-man rosters throughout the preseason—a change originally forced by Covid-19 years ago—has condensed what used to be a four-week cutdown grind into a single mass exodus. Following Saturday’s game against the Rams, the Browns’ front office and coaching staff will spend all of Sunday and into Monday working through final roster decisions.
The grind of the preseason looks much different now than it once did. In some ways, it’s beneficial for players, who get a longer opportunity to prove their worth. But the quick, one-time cutdown process also means fewer waiver-wire opportunities and greater importance on every snap leading up to the decision. For the Browns, several positions remain unsettled, and this weekend offers one last chance for players to take control of those battles.
That’s what I’ll walk you through today.
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The battles have defined themselves of late and I wrote about some of these looming in the 53-Man offense and defense predictions earlier this week. I thought it would nice to define these clearly and keep your eyes on locked the battles that matter most in tomorrow’s action. Again, these performances might not be enough to turn the tide but these are the players who need them the most.
Diontae Johnson vs Gage Larvadain vs DeAndre Carter
Three players for two positions. I have been talking about this one at length for a few days now and all three could use a strong performance to solidify themselves. Carter is the only one who has yet to play in the preseason, and that probably bodes well for him, but the roster is getting tight with quarterback volume so every snap will leave an impression for the veteran. Larvadain needs to make some noise in this one to ensure he is the one the Browns cannot expose to the rest of the league.
Tony Brown II vs Nik Needham
This one comes down to how badly the Browns feel like they need more versatility in the slot. Brown is an outside cornerback but primarily a special teams ace and the Browns find that valuable in their structure. But the problems in the slot might mean they need Needham’s experience in there to ensure they don’t place too much faith in Cam Mitchell and Myles Harden’s unproven abilities. This could also still be a spot lingering for a trade.
Julian Okwara vs Cameron Thomas
Both guys bring valuable skills to the position but this is about what type the room needs. Okwara is more finesse and has flashed with three sacks in the preseason showing a strong “ghost" move that has helped him create quick pressures. Thomas is a big body who sets the edge well and defends the run with versatility. His pass rush reps leave plenty to be desired but he’s a good overall athlete. Both need to bring a performance that makes the team feel like they need them at the end of the room.
Pierre Strong vs Ahmani Marshall
The Browns have been rumored to be hunting running backs on the trade market but until something materializes there, or Quinshon Judkins signs, this is the battle. Can Marshall do enough in three phases, and special teams, to make the team feel like they can move on from Strong and his open-field burst. Marshall is the more physical back of the two and has shown he can pass protect when called upon, but that explosiveness is tough to pass on. I expect both to play plenty of snaps tomorrow with another chance to prove their style fits the room best.
Donovan McMillon vs Chris Edmonds
The UDFA trend continues in this room and while Edmonds and McMillon come from two different classes, they both have a shot. Edmonds has been playing a higher volume of important reps in the Training Camp process as he’s in his second year in Cleveland, but McMillon has come on strong in the last two weeks showing that range in centerfield with an ability to come from deep alignments and fit the run when called upon. The roster probably keeps five safeties and this is the battle to make it. Big game for both tomorrow.
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Good article. Sort of random but Larvadain feels like such a Shanahan wideout. They have some receiver issues right now.
Kyle loved him some Taylor Gabriel years ago and brought him to Atlanta. I feel like Larvadain and Gabriel are similar players.
Idk how you can give up on Larvadain. If Carter is the lock that we presume, I don't think Diontae has done enough to warrant a spot. Especially since Thrash has looked good in preseason.