Browns Initial 2023 53-Man Roster Breakdown
The Cleveland Browns announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season yesterday, and it's safe to say that it's much improved compared to 2022.
This year's roster is a reflection of Andrew Berry's hard work and determination to improve in the area's that let the team down last year. Cleveland's biggest achilles heel in 2022 was their defensive line, especially on the interior. The entire defensive line has been totally revamped this offseason and, atleast on paper, should be considered a strength as of right now.
A lot more speed and playmaking ability was added to the receiver room, in regards to Elijah Moore and Marquise Goodwin.
Juan Thornhill adds an element to this defense that the team thought they were getting in John Johnson III, which is a natural centerfield-type safety that can patrol the middle of the field.
It’s important to note that this is just the initially 53-man roster that had to be officially set by 4pm yesterday. There’s still going to be a few moves made between now and week 1. For instance, Maurice Hurst and Michael Dunn were both released but are expected to be brought back once they’re able to move a couple of guys to IR.
Quarterbacks (2)
- Deshaun Watson
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Analysis:
There's not much to analyze here. Deshaun Watson is Deshaun Watson, and Thompson-Robinson has been displaying great poise, comfortability, and swagger throughout the preseason. He allowed Cleveland to fearlessly trade Joshua Dobbs and waive Kellen Mond.
Running Backs (3)
- Nick Chubb
- Jerome Ford
- Pierre Strong
Analysis:
The Browns simply kept the best three ball carriers on it's roster. Nick Chubb continues to be one of the best running backs in the league, and Jerome Ford has shown glimpses of excitement when on the field.
The team traded for Pierre Strong on Sunday in order to solidify the running back room. His speed, burst, and pass catching ability gives Cleveland a better option at RB3 than the likes of Demetric Felton Jr., Hassan Hall, or John Kelly.
Wide Receivers (6)
- Amari Cooper
- Elijah Moore
- Donovan Peoples-Jones
- Cedric Tillman
- David Bell
- Marquise Goodwin
Analysis:
Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and David Bell return to the team after having successful seasons in 2022. Cooper and "DPJ" are the definition of consistency and versatility, both having the ability to seamlessly rotate between "X" and "Z" in this offense. David Bell had a better season, efficiency wise, than most people realize. He was one of the top rookie receivers in 2022 when it came to separation ability in one-on-one coverage situations. This is an important stat because he sees this type of coverage more often than not being a slot receiver.
Elijah Moore and Marquise Goodwin bring the Browns something that they've been missing in the wide receiver room as of late; speed and explosiveness. Moore was used all over the field throughout the offseason, even lining up in the backfield on more than one occasion. Goodwin is the type of guy that is able to threaten defenses with his ability to win on vertical routes downfield.
Cedric Tillman could end up being another steal for Cleveland in the 2023 draft class. He's already an great route runner and has shown the ability to make tough catches away from his frame on a consistent basis. He should up playing quite a bit as a rookie.
Tight Ends (3)
- David Njoku
- Jordan Akins
- Harrison Bryant
Analysis:
Cleveland's 2023 tight end room is made up of three players that have proven production in different areas. David Njoku could be primed for a big year in this revamped, spread offense led by Deshaun Watson. Jordan Akins has been used all over the field throughout his time in Houston, and could be used the same way with the Browns. The team currently only has one true, inline tight end rostered in David Njoku so this speaks towards the way that the position could be used going forward.
Harrison Bryant has been out with an "undisclosed injury" since the beginning of August but returned to practice yesterday. He rounds out the tight end room heading into the season.
Offensive Line (9)
- Jedrick Wills Jr.
- Joel Bitonio
- Ethan Pocic
- Wyatt Teller
- Jack Conklin
- James Hudson III
- Nick Harris
- Dawand Jones
- Luke Wypler
Analysis:
The starting five guys will obviously be the same as last season, with James Hudson III working as the swing-tackle.
Jedrick Wills Jr. had his 5th-year option picked up by the team in May, and the team is banking on his improvement and development over the next two season. Jack Conklin is a Pro-Bowl level right tackle when healthy, but that's something that he's been having trouble with as of late. The team might modify his practice schedule in hopes of limiting nagging injuries.
Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller makeup of one the best offensive guard duos in the league, even though Teller had a down year in 2022. Teller had been dealing with a calf injury so that could have had something to do with it.
The team was able to bring back Ethan Pocic as the team's starting center. He was one of Cleveland's success stories last season, stepping up and developing into an above average NFL center. Let's hope that he continues playing at a high level in this revamped offense.
Nick Harris has shown the ability to be successful as the team's backup center, and rookie center Luke Wypler both played well throughout camp and the preseason.
Dawand Jones has been a rookie sensation at right tackle for this team. He's allowed zero sacks through 148 pass blocking snaps in four preseason games.
Michael Dunn was a surprise cut on Monday, but it seems like the team will try and bring him back as soon as they can move some guys to IR.
Defensive Tackles (4)
- Dalvin Tomlinson
- Shelby Harris
- Jordan Elliott
- Siaki Ika
Analysis:
Cleveland took a position of weakness in 2022, and transformed it into what should be a strength in 2023. The additions of Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, and Siaki Ika have the potential to major catalysts for a defensive tackle group that ends up being one of the best in the AFC North.
The team was able to restructure Jordan Elliott's deal in the offseason to
Maurice Hurst was released, which was surprising but it sounds like they're keen on bringing him back once Alex Wright is moved to IR.
Defensive Ends (5)
- Myles Garrett
- Za'Darius Smith
- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
- Isaiah McGuire
- Alex Wright
Analysis:
Much like the defensive tackle room, this group of defensive ends have the ability and potential to be absolutely dominant this season.
Myles Garrett has NFL defensive player of the year written all over him, and Za'Darius Smith looks like a stronger version of Jadeveon Clowney. Ogbo Okoronkwo is essentially a swiss army knife that Jim Schwartz can use on either side of the defensive line. Alex Wright has developed into a solid depth option, and could possibly even be featured in sub-packages on obvious run downs. He's currently rehabbing from knee surgery so he's most likely going to be moved to IR soon.
2023 fourth round pick Isaiah McGuire excelled against the run in college, but looked good rushing the passer throughout the preseason.
Linebackers (7)
- Anthony Walker Jr.
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
- Sione Takitaki
- Tony Fields II
- Mohamoud Diabate
- Matthew Adams
- Jordan Kunaszyk
Analysis:
Walker Jr., "JOK", Takitaki, Fields II, and Kunaszyk make up the core of returning players in this room. Despite having a subpar season as a group in 2022 they should play much better this season, mainly because of the completely revamped defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika in particular should do a great job of sucking up blockers so that these linebackers can have more time and space to read, diagnose, and attack ball carriers.
Mohamoud Diabate was a star in preseason, having showed the ability and potential to be a legitimate NFL linebacker on multiple occasions.
Jordan Kunaszyk is currently injured so the plan is to get him moved to IR, similar to Alex Wright. Both Kunaszyk and Matthew Adams are special teams aces as well. These guys will be relied on heavily on the kick and punt coverage units.
Cornerbacks (6)
- Denzel Ward
- Greg Newsome II
- Martin Emerson Jr.
- AJ Green III
- Cameron Mitchell
- Mike Ford Jr.
Analysis:
Ward, Newsome, and Emerson are all household names to Browns fans and makeup one of the better cornerback units in the AFC. AJ Green also returns, and has been a great rotational depth option when needed.
Mike Ford was signed this offseason both for his special teams prowess and ability to play slot corner.
Cameron Mitchell was drafted in the fifth round of this year's draft, and projects to be a developmental corner with the ability to work inside at slot corner.
Safeties (5)
- Juan Thornhill
- Grant Delpit
- Rodney McLeod
- Ronnie Hickman
- D'Anthony Bell
Analysis:
Juan Thornhill could end up being the most important player acquisition of the 2023 offseason. He's the ballhawking centerfield-type safety that Cleveland has been looking for since 2021. Grant Delpit should be a beneficiary of Thornhill as well because he's undoubtedly going to be able to be more aggressive and play downhill.
Rodney McLeod was always going to be retained due to his versatility and experience. He's played both free and strong safety at a high level, and he's going to be able to coach up the younger defensive backs on the team.
UDFA Ronnie Hickman played his way onto the roster by having a spectacular preseason. He proved that he's able to efficiently drop into coverage and track the football.
D'Anthony Bell is one of the team's best special teams players, and has the ability to fill in at strong safety if needed.
Kicker (1)
- Dustin Hopkins
Analysis:
The Cade York experiment didn't work, so the team traded a 2025 7th-round pick to the Chargers for Hopkins on Monday. Hopkins has been a fairly consistent kicker throughout his career.
Punter (1)
- Corey Bojorquez
Analysis:
Bojorquez finished seventh in the NFL in average yards per punt in 2022 with 48.5. He's should continue to be a servicable punter going forward.
Long Snapper (1)
- Charley Hughlett
Analysis:
Hughlett has been one of the more reliable long snappers in the league since joining the team in 2015. There's no reason to think that he shouldn't continue to be going forward.
