CLEVELAND — Earlier this week, the Cleveland Browns cut their roster down to 53 players ahead of the start of the 2022 season.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the Browns' current projected depth chart with their Week 1 opener vs. the Carolina Panthers now 10 days away.
Quarterback
- Jacoby Brissett
- Joshua Dobbs
- Kellen Mond
With Deshaun Watson serving an 11-game suspension to start the season, Jacoby Brissett will take the reins as Cleveland's starting quarterback. Joshua Dobbs, meanwhile, will play the role of backup, with the recently signed Kellen Mond currently only set to play in emergency situations.
Running back
- Nick Chubb
- Kareem Hunt
- D'Ernest Johnson
- Jerome Ford
The deepest position on the Browns' offense, Cleveland possesses two Pro Bowl-caliber players in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, a capable backup in D'Ernest Johnson and a high-upside rookie in Jerome Ford. Demetric Felton is officially listed as a running back too, but has spent recent weeks practicing at wide receiver.
Wide receiver
- Amari Cooper
- Donovan Peoples-Jones
- David Bell
- Anthony Schwartz
- Michael Woods II
- Demetric Felton
Arguably the position with the most questions marks on the Browns' roster, Cleveland lacks a proven difference-maker at wide receiver behind veteran Amari Cooper. Rookies David Bell and Michael Woods II have shown flashes in training camp, but have also battled injuries, while second-year speedster Anthony Schwartz has struggled with his catching and consistency.
The biggest wild card of the group might be Donovan Peoples-Jones, who has shown plenty of upside through his first two seasons in the league.
Tight end
- David Njoku
- Harrison Bryant
Considering the question marks at wide receiver, both David Njoku and Harrison Bryant should see plenty of playing time. It also wouldn't be a surprise to see the Browns acquire a third player at the position, or re-sign Miller Forristall from the practice squad.
Left tackle
- Jedrick Wills Jr.
- James Hudson III
Left guard
- Joel Bitonio
- Drew Forbes
Center
- Ethan Pocic
- Michael Dunn
Right guard
- Wyatt Teller
- Hjalte Froholdt
Right tackle
- Jack Conklin
- Chris Hubbard
In Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin, Cleveland returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from the previous two seasons. Ethan Pocic is set to replace JC Tretter at center after Nick Harris suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, while Michael Dunn, Hjalte Froholdt and Chris Hubbard give the Browns multiple backups capable of playing multiple positions.
Left defensive end
- Myles Garrett
- Chase Winovich
- Isaiah Thomas
Right defensive end
- Jadeveon Clowney
- Alex Wright
Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney return to provide Cleveland with one of the best defensive end duos in the league. Chase Winovich is a capable backup with experience, while rookies and Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas have shown promising signs during training camp.
Right defensive tackle
- Taven Bryan
- Perrion Winfrey
Left defensive tackle
- Jordan Elliott
- Tommy Togiai
The position on the Browns defense with the most question marks also happens to be the thinnest. Free agent signee Taven Bryan is solid and Jordan Elliott has shown signs of a potential breakout season, but neither Perrion Winfrey nor Tommy Togiai has proven they're ready to contribute at this point in their careers.
Mike linebacker
- Anthony Walker Jr.
- Jordan Kunaszyk
Will linebacker
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
- Tony Fields II
Sam linebacker
- Sione Takitaki
- Jacob Phillips
Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should see the bulk of playing time in two-linebacker formations, but Sione Takitaki and Jacob Phillips each possess ability and versatility that could help them push for playing time. Depth at the position, however, is otherwise lacking.
Left cornerback
- Denzel Ward
- Greedy Williams
- A.J. Green
Right cornerback
- Greg Newsome II
- Martin Emerson Jr.
Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II will serve as Cleveland's top two corners, with Newsome sliding inside in nickel formations. While Greedy Williams has the inside track to early playing time, it might be tough for the Browns to keep third-round pick Martin Emerson Jr. off the field.
Strong safety
- Grant Delpit
- Ronnie Harrison Jr.
- D'Anthony Bell
Free safety
- John Johnson III
- Richard LeCounte III
In Grant Delpit, John Johnson III and Ronnie Harrison Jr., Cleveland returns its top three safeties from a season ago. An undrafted free agent, D'Anthony Bell managed to make the Browns' final 53-man roster following an impressive training camp.
Kicker
- Cade York
Punter
- Corey Bojorquez
Long snapper
- Charley Hughlett
Cleveland's kicking game lacked consistency last season and the Browns are hoping to fix that with the acquisitions of Cade York and Corey Bojorquez. Selected in the fourth round, York will be especially relied on as Cleveland looks to find the first kicker it can count on since the departure of Phil Dawson.