2013 third round pick Leon McFadden is buried on the first depth chart of the preseason (Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon
The Cleveland Browns are once again under new leadership, and the team is full of new faces on the field and on the sidelines. When a team like this releases a depth chart a week and a half into training camp, before playing a single preseason game, it’s important to remember that few things are set in stone. But I am not here to insult anybody’s intelligence. Anyone who digs deep enough to read this site is aware that we shouldn’t read too much into the first depth chart of the year. Of course, football fans also know that carefully measured reactions are not much fun. So in the interest of broad speculation for the sake of entertainment, I have a few thoughts on a depth chart that sure to be forgotten by Sunday morning.
1. Joel Bitonio is the only rookie penciled into the starting lineup
Bitonio may soon be joined by cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel, but for now the Browns first pick on Day Two of the draft is the only shoe in to start on opening day.
2. Undrafted rookie receivers face an uphill climb
As positive as camp reports have been for Willie Snead, and to a lesser extent Taylor Gabriel, the two rookies are still behind the likes of freaky but unproven Charles Johnson and newly signed Marlon Moore. Even with a Josh Gordon suspension, there’s a very good chance that those four (and my guy Jonathan Krause) are fighting for one roster spot. Special teams play will almost certainly play a role in determining the winner.
3. Chris Ogbonnaya and Edwin Baker are listed as the third and fourth running backs
It’s a bit surprising to see Ogbonnaya and Baker, holdovers from previous regimes, ahead of rookie Isaiah Crowell on the depth chart. But the undrafted rookie apparently isn’t even being handed a third string role. He should move up after a couple of preseason games.
Seeing Dion Lewis behind Ogbonnaya and Baker shouldn’t come as a shock to those who’ve read my first two roster predictions. Lewis was a fine complimentary piece in Norv Turner’s offense but is not regarded as a fit for the new zone blocking scheme. Lewis is likely to be cut loose sooner than later.
4. Second year man Keavon Milton is now listed at guard
Maybe this is only interesting to me, but Milton played tight end a year ago and has moved all the way inside to guard this year. He’s a long term project with a shot at the practice squad if the coaches feel like investing the time. Right now Milton is one of 17 offensive linemen in camp.
5. Gary Barnidge is ahead of Jim Dray at backup tight end
This probably isn’t a big deal, but I just found it interesting that Rob Chudzinski import Barnidge is still listed ahead of the new regime’s Dray. In reality, these two are likely just viewed as 2a and 2b, and neither is going to sooth any nerves in the event of a Jordan Cameron injury.
6. John Hughes is third on the depth chart at left defensive end
Hughes was a stout run defender at times last season, but on the surface it appears he may be in for a fight with rookies Jacobbi McDaniel and Calvin Barnett for one roster spot on the defensive line. This is probably misleading, as linemen will be mixed an matched along different fronts depending on game situations. Hughes has lined up at end and nose tackle at times during his first two seasons, and that versatility may ultimately give him the edge he needs. Still, his placement on the first depth chart can’t make him feel too comfortable.
7. Zac Diles and Justin Staples are listed as backup linebackers
I’ve long expected the Browns to keep eight total linebackers, and if this holds up Diles and Staples would be surprise inclusions on the 53 man roster. Diles shined in the team scrimmage last weekend, and Staples has been strong since moving back to outside linebacker this offseason. The pair has obviously benefitted from the extra playing time gained in the absence of Tank Carder and Darius Eubanks, who have missed time with injuries.
8. Leon McFadden is buried at cornerback
In his second year out of San Diego State, McFadden is behind at least five cornerbacks (Joe Haden, Buster Skrine, Gilbert, Isaiah Trufant and Pierre Desir) on the initial depth chart. If the Browns only keep five as I’ve been predicting, McFadden is certainly on a most delicate roster bubble – a reality I’ve heard rumblings about since May.
9. Jim Leonhard is the backup strong safety
Leonhard was signed a week ago, and has indicated that his tenth NFL season will be his last. He didn’t leave the comforts of home to be cut this preseason, so he’s virtually guaranteed a spot. Leonhard and Head Coach Mike Pettine go way back, and the veteran safety figures to contribute on special teams and serve as a coach on the field. Leonhard’s presence could ultimately push one-dimensional special teamer Johnson Bademosi onto the roster bubble.
10. Travis Bemjamin is the primary punt and kick return man
In the past, the Browns have been reluctant to send the 175 pound Benjamin out for kickoffs, but despite the fact that he’s coming off an ACL tear, he will assume full duties this season. Skrine is listed as the backup kick return man, and Jordan Poyer as the number two punt returner. Jonathan Krause is nowhere to be found on the return man depth chart, making my pre-camp prediction that he would make the team seem extremely far-fetched.