The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their offseason program on June 9 and open training camp on July 29 at the team's facility in Berea, Ohio . Here's a preliminary 53-man roster prediction.
Quarterbacks (3): Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Cody Kessler. McCown sticks as insurance in case of injury to Griffin. Kessler is head coach Hue Jackson's hand-picked rookie, but he could go on the practice squad if Connor Shaw or Austin Davis has a strong preseason.
Running backs (3): Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, Terrell Watson. Crowell and Johnson are on the team; the best back in preseason becomes the third. For now, the pick is Watson, whom Jackson watched last season in Cincinnati.
Fullback (1): Malcolm Johnson. Jackson talked him up during the offseason.
Wide receivers (7): Corey Coleman, Andrew Hawkins, Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Marlon Moore, Jordan Payton, Terrelle Pryor. Josh Gordon remains the wild card. If the team keeps him, he's on the roster and Payton goes to the practice squad. Jackson's infatuation with Pryor bumps Taylor Gabriel. There's an extra receiver here; but Moore's special- teams play earns him a spot. If only six are kept, Payton goes to the practice squad.
Tight ends (3): Gary Barnidge, Seth DeValve, Randall Telfer. Telfer showed well in the offseason, and a coach always favors his guy so DeValve stays. Barnidge's offseason sports-hernia surgery means depth matters.
Offensive line (9): Alvin Bailey, Joel Bitonio, Michael Bowie, Shon Coleman, Spencer Drago, Cam Erving, John Greco, Austin Pasztor, Joe Thomas. This group is heavy in numbers and tackles. Look for the prediction to change after camp.
Defensive line (6): Desmond Bryant, Xavier Cooper, John Hughes, Jamie Meder, Carl Nassib, Danny Shelton. The Browns look thin at this group, though one might guess that Armonty Bryant or Emmanuel Ogbah could play down in certain situations.
Linebackers (10): Armonty Bryant, Demario Davis, Chris Kirksey, Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Emmanuel Ogbah, Nate Orchard, Joe Schobert, Justin Tuggle, Scooby Wright III. Wright will earn his spot by making plays in preseason. This group may be heavy in numbers. If Justin Gilbert emerges in camp and preseason, Tuggle's spot could go. Bryant and Ogbah provide pass-rush versatility because they can play with their hand down.
Defensive backs (8): Ibraheim Campbell, Charles Gaines, Joe Haden, Derrick Kindred, Rahim Moore, Jordan Poyer, K'Waun Williams, Tramon Williams. Justin Gilbert got a long look in the offseason with Haden out. He had moments, but struggled with technique. His spot is in jeopardy, though he could earn it back in preseason with sound, consistent play on defense and/or special teams.
Long snapper (1): Charley Hughlett
Placekicker (1): Travis Coons. Though Coons has to show he can get the ball up in the air quickly to stick. Too many of his blocked kicks in 2015 were low.
Punter (1): Andy Lee. One of the best in the league.