Browns Training Camp | Three Position Groups to Watch

With the Browns heading to West Virginia to open up camp, there’s excitement in the air as the season is getting much closer. We will get a full dose of the $230 million quarterback for the first time, alongside elite weapons like Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper. The defensive switch to Jim Schwartz hopes to elevate the defense to its full potential, and a healthy season could mean big things for this defense in 2023.

With all the talent on this roster, cutting down to 53 players seems impossible. Guys we once had high hopes for might be out the door because there just isn’t room for them. Here are three position groups to watch heading into training camp in 2023.

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Wide Receiver

Starters: Amari Cooper & Donovan Peoples-Jones

Depth: Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, Marquise Goodwin

On the Fringe: Anthony Schwartz, Jakeem Grant, David Bell

Maybe the deepest group on the team, there are some interesting decisions to make when it comes to the wide receivers. At the top, Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are primed to have big years playing with Deshaun Watson. Elijah Moore is a breath of fresh air in the slot position, as he brings a speedy playmaker who can get open and do damage after the catch.

Rookie Cedric Tillman possesses the frame of a downfield, contested catch threat and will likely provide depth on the outside. Speedster Marquise Goodwin is another weapon who can stretch the defense vertically with his game-breaking speed. The rest of the group is where things get shaky, as six is probably the most they will carry on the active roster. That leaves one spot for the players on the fringe, two of whom were day-two draft picks not too long ago.

Jakeem Grant has the edge to start camp, mainly because of what he brings to the return game. When he last saw the field, he was one of the most electrifying return men in the game. If the Browns feel he can provide that for their special teams, I expect him to earn a spot. Anthony Schwartz has all that speed but has struggled to put it together on the field. I would think he needs to have an impressive camp to secure a roster spot. David Bell didn’t get a ton of chances in 2022 but has a chance at being the odd man out depending on how many receivers are on the roster. The wide receiver position could be where the biggest name gets cut.

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Defensive Tackle

Starters: Dalvin Tomlinson, Jordan Elliott

Depth: Maurice Hurst, Siaki Ika

On the Fringe: Trysten Hill, Tommy Togiai

By far the weakest group on the team, this unit is relying heavily on the production of newcomer Davlin Tomlinson and the defensive ends. Losing Perrion Winfrey isn’t a huge blow in terms of past production, but there were hopes of him being a formidable rotational piece. Jordan Elliott is yet again being put in a position where a lot is being asked of him, a spot where he hasn’t really succeeded in the past. It’s likely that there will be an addition to this room at some point this season, but as of right now, those two will hold it down.

Rookie third-round pick Siaki Ika has the most upside of any of the unproven guys, but forcing him into a role where he’s heavily relied upon in year one isn’t a great position to put him in. Maurice Hurst was very solid the last time he was on the field, and hopefully, he can recover from his torn bicep and return to form.

In week one a year ago, the Browns carried just four defensive tackles. Likely, there won’t be more than five on the roster, meaning Trysten Hill and Tommy Togiai are in danger of being cut or put on the practice squad. The way Jim Schwartz uses defensive tackles could mean carrying an extra one, but that spot could also be filled by a free-agent addition or a trade.

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Cornerback

Outside: Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson

Nickel: Greg Newsome

On the fringe: A.J. Green, Cameron Mitchell

The talent in this room is undeniable, especially when looking at the starting trio of Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, and Greg Newsome. While Newsome has made it known he prefers playing on the outside, Ward and Emerson are better suited to play there than he is. Newsome’s versatility allows Schwartz to get creative with his packages and move them around the field.

A year ago in week one, the team went into the game with just three corners on the roster, which was bad news for A.J. Green and rookie Cameron Mitchell. With a new coordinator, carrying a fourth cornerback isn’t out of the picture. Although Green has been a solid depth piece recently, rookie Mitchell likely has the edge from the jump. With the talent at the top of this room, the guys on the back end may end up on the practice squad or get cut by the end of camp.

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Conclusion

Heading into camp, the amount of talent on the roster is going to lead to some unfortunate cuts. Players with potential are going to be let go due to the lack of consistent production they have shown thus far. The wide receivers, defensive tackles, and cornerbacks are the most interesting groups to watch, and some depth pieces from the last few years could be let go.

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