With the preseason officially in the rear view, the Browns have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season. Multiple young players have emerged as possible difference makers, while others struggled to find a spot on the roster. Let’s take a look at these players’ performances and the odds of them making the team.
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Ahmani Marshall
Ahmani Marshall heard his name called plenty of times this preseason. The former Appalachian State Mountaineer led the team in rushes (24) and was one of two players to score a rushing touchdown. He still has a ways to go in terms of pass protection and receiving out of the backfield, so don’t expect him to contribute anytime soon. Given Quinshon Judkins’ ongoing contract negotiations, it would be in the team’s best interest to keep an extra RB. Marshall’s bruising downhill running style might give him a chance to make the practice squad.
Andrew Berry
I know he’s not a player, but he does deserve some acknowledgment. Andrew Berry has earned plenty of criticism for his draft decisions over the years, but this year seems like a slam dunk. 5th overall pick Mason Graham proved he can be an anchor for the D-line for years to come. While not putting up eye-popping stats (two total tackles), he routinely fought through double teams and showed potential as a pass rusher. Carson Schwesinger is another rookie who had himself a great preseason. With his high motor and sure tackling, he looks to be a key piece in Jim Schwartz’s defense.
Adin Huntington
If there were a preseason MVP award, Adin Huntington would surely be a candidate. The former Tulane Green Wave had a great preseason, leading all Cleveland players with 2.5 sacks. He not only shows his impressive athleticism but also versatility by playing multiple snaps at fullback. Earlier this week, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Huntington would be making the roster and after a showing like that, it’s well deserved. With presumed starter Mike Hall Jr. on the PUP list, Huntington could possibly get playing time alongside Maliek Collins and Shelby Harris.
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Diontae Johnson
It’s been a long fall from grace for Diontae Johnson. The one-time 100+ reception, 1k+ yard All-Pro receiver now finds himself on his 4th team in one calendar year. The former Toledo Rocket had two receptions for 19 yards on six targets this preseason, not ideal numbers for someone trying to make their way back into the league. With the emergence of second-year WR Jamari Thrash and UDFA Gage Larvadain, it seems like Johnson’s time in Cleveland will be over soon.
Kenny Pickett
There’s not a lot to say about Pickett’s preseason…..mainly because he didn’t play. Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury in practice on July 26th and was kept out of the entire preseason. With an established veteran starter and two talented rookies, Pickett might find himself the odd man out in this four-man QB race.
(Edit- Kenny Pickett has been traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 5th round pick.)
Shedeur Sanders
As well as he played in his first game against Carolina, Shedeur Sanders was worse against Los Angeles. He threw 3-for-6 with a paltry 14 yards and was sacked five times. Now, the O-Line didn’t do him any favors, but Sanders looked completely lost. He held on to the ball too long, abandoned decent pockets, and was slow to read the defense. I still believe Sanders could be the franchise QB Cleveland has been looking for, but it’s clear why he’s behind Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart.
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