Quarterback Competition Heats Up

The Cleveland Browns are finalizing their offensive roster ahead of the regular season, and the quarterback position is one of the most anticipated areas. Deshaun Watson has officially been named the starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders, putting an end to months of speculation about the team’s plans.

For the No. 3 quarterback spot, the competition is between Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. Both players will see action in the preseason game against the New England Patriots, with Gabriel expected to start and Green likely to take over in the second half. This is Green’s first taste of the preseason.

Projection (3): Watson, Sanders, Green with Gabriel traded for picks.

Running Backs: A Deep and Competitive Group

Quinshon Judkins is making a strong return from a major injury and appears ready to reclaim his role as the top running back. Dylan Sampson looks like the clear backup, with Raheim Sanders as the third option. Michael Burton is also expected to make the roster as a fullback.

Ahmani Marshall and Davon Booth are likely to be on the outside looking in. While Booth has had a solid camp, he may end up on the practice squad.

Projection (4): Judkins, Sampson, Sanders, Burton, Booth (practice squad).

Wide Receivers: A Talent-Filled Room

Jerry Jeudy remains the top wide receiver, but the Browns have added several young talents. KC Concepcion, selected in the first round, and Denzel Boston, taken in the second round, have shown significant growth during training camp. Both are projected to start.

Malachi Corley, Gage Larvadain, and Tylan Wallace provide depth and versatility, especially on special teams and returns. Isaiah Bond is likely to stay on the roster, while Cedric Tillman could be traded, possibly to the Atlanta Falcons to reunite with former coach Kevin Stefanski.

Projection (7): Jeudy, Concepcion, Boston, Corley, Larvadain, Wallace, Bond with Tillman either waived or traded for picks.

Tight Ends: A Strong Presence

Harold Fannin Jr. has quickly become a key part of the offense, making David Njoku expendable. The team signed Jack Stoll, a veteran blocking tight end, who is likely to make the roster over seventh-round pick Carsen Ryan.

Projection (3): Fannin Jr., Blake Whiteheart, Stoll, Ryan (practice squad).

Offensive Line: A New Look

The Browns made significant moves in the offseason to strengthen their offensive line. Elgton Jenkins was signed as the center, and Tytus Howard was acquired from the Houston Texans to lock up the right tackle position. Zion Johnson was given a big contract to play left guard, while rookie Spencer Fano was selected as the left tackle.

Teven Jenkins was re-signed as the right guard, and several other players, including Austin Barber, Parker Brailsford, Dawand Jones, Kingsley Eguakun, Luke Wypler, and Zak Zinter, are expected to make the roster.

Kendrick Green is on reserve/injured, and KT Leveston, Jeremiah Byers, and Izavion Miller are likely to be cut.

Projections (11): E. Jenkins, T. Jenkins, Z. Johnson, S. Fano, Howard, Barber, Brailsford, Da. Jones, Eguakun, Wypler, Zinter.