The Cleveland Browns have to make some tough calls to narrow down the roster to 53 players.
https://afcnorthnews.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-cleveland-browns-have-to-make-some.html
So what we will do in this article is give you my opinion of those on the bubble. Who will stay and who will go? One of those questions is in relation to QB. Will it be McCoy, Wallace, or Lewis backing up starting QB Brandon Weeden?
The final preseason game may have determined this question. So without further delay, let’s look who made their case to make the team and who will possibly be cleaning out their locker at least as a Cleveland Brown?
QB Battle for a roster spot:
Although Seneca Wallace did play better than Colt McCoy Thursday night, I really don’t think that any real difference has been made there. The bottom line is that it’s a toss-up between the two QB’s. Unless the Browns receive an offer that they cannot refuse for either QB I think both will make the team with Thad Lewis getting the cut. I do although think he will find his way on the Browns practice squad. But on a side note, in his limited action tonight, McCoy did not help himself.
Players who made their case to stay:
DB Trevin Wade: As a 7th round pick in this Aprils NFL draft the Browns found a diamond in the rough. Wade has not only guaranteed himself a spot on the final 53 man roster, but he has also made a case for serious playing time.
LB L.J. Fort: As an undrafted rookie Fort has done nothing but impressed. He has earned a spot on this roster. He has had an excellent camp, preseason, and almost always seems to be at the right place at the right time.
LB Craig Robertson: Much like L.J. Fort, Robertson has also made a case to make this team despite being undrafted. In fact I think Robertson may have made himself a case to start for Chris Gocong who of course is out for the year.
DB David Simms: David Simms has impressed this preseason. He seems to be in the right place at the right time and has shown he is a tough safety who can make a hit. He also reminds me of a “Mike Adams” type player who can also play corner when called upon.
FB/TE Brad Smelley: Smelly is a tough kid who I think has done just as good of a job as current starting FB Owen Marecic in terms of blocking. But he can also line up at TE and has soft hands and can make catches out of the backfield. Anything to help out Weeden is a plus. Smelley will make the team.
Players who may not be in Cleveland:
DE Kiante Tripp: With his possible legal issues and lack of control on the defensive line I do not expect Tripp to make this team. Despite the injury to Phil Taylor at DT the Browns front four is well stocked and Tripp has not done enough to distinguish himself from the heard.
FB Owen Marecic: In the year+ that Owen Marecic has been in Cleveland he has not shown the overpowering strength that you look for in a fullback. I truly do not believe he will make the cut.
DB James Dockery: Although he may make the team on special teams or as a practice player, I just do not feel that Dockery has done enough to earn a slot on the final roster. With young players like Buster Skrine, Trevin Wade, and David Sims I think Dockery may have played his last game as a Brown.
Tough Decisions:
DB Tashaun Gipson: Gibpson has shown some great instincts on the field. He is a fine young player who will wind up somewhere. But Cleveland is deep at secondary and dangerously thin in other areas. In the case of Gibson I think it simply comes down to a game of numbers.
WR Rod Windsor: According to the coaches Windsor has excellent hands. But something that may hurt his chances is his special teams play. When you are as far down on the depth chart as he is special teams is where you MUST shine and Windsor has not done so.
WR Josh Cooper: I really like Josh Cooper. He has had an excellent camp but his performance just has not translated onto the field during the Browns four preseason games. If he somehow makes the team it will be because Windsor does not and Cooper will based more on special teams play.
LB Ben Jacobs: Jacobs has done a decent job but has been simply outplayed by Craig Robertson and L.J Fort. Jacobs has a chance due to the condition of the Cleveland Browns LB corps being dangerously thin with injury but ultimately it comes down to Ben Jacobs or Quinton Spears. One will be here and the other will not.
RB Adonis Thomas: Thomas has some talent but has showed a great deal of hesitation in the backfield. Any coach will tell you that you need to hit the hole at full force. He appears to do a lot of stutter-stepping in the backfield. If he makes the team I think it will be on the practice squad. One thing that Thomas did for himself tonight however was performed well. The question for Thomas is really going to be the true condition of starter Trent Richardson. If he is indeed healthy and ready than Thomas may be a practice player.
There are countless other players who we have not seen much of and will not make this team. I could give you a list of my projected 53 man roster but I do not feel that giving a list of players (some of which you weren’t even aware were on the team) would simply be a waste of space.
But these guys above are the ones to watch for. These are the guys who have done their best to make the team, and some who may have fallen short.
Who do you think needs to go?
Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website
