13 Browns Players to Watch Against Jets

Football is back with the Hall of Fame game and while it may not be the prettiest football fans will watch this season, there is plenty of intrigue for the Cleveland Browns. In addition to the collection of rookies the Browns assembled this past offseason, there are some returning players that have an opportunity to generate some buzz against the New York Jets.

It's been a long time since April and with so much of training camp focused on front line players, it may be time to get reacquainted with the young players the Browns added this offseason, especially since the Browns did not make a selection until round three for the second year in a row.

Combined with some second year players looking to make bigger contributions, there will be plenty to watch this preseason for the Browns; a welcome appetizer to get ready for the regular season.

Here's who I will keeping an eye on in this game.

QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson

I thought DTR might go on day two of the draft. He has played a ton of football, had plenty of success at UCLA, playing an offense that can translate to the NFL. He can win with his arm as well as his legs.

All of this, but particularly the 50 games DTR played in college could enable him to hit the ground running in the NFL. The Browns don't need him to be good right away, but don't be surprised if he finds success against the Jets, beating up on end of the roster defenders.

RB Jerome Ford

Ford found a niche as a productive kick returner in his rookie season, but he only carried the ball eight times for 12 yards last year. Heading into year two, the Browns need to ascertain whether he's capable of supplementing what Nick Chubb brings to the offense.

Ford excelled as a pass catcher in college, something the Browns hope carries over to the NFL. Additionally, he's a big back that has the strength to push a pile and score near the goal line. Ford has a golden opportunity to reassure fans that they are in good hands there.

RB Hassan Hall

An undrafted free agent, Hall was basically a collegiate journeyman. He never really popped either at Louisville or Georgia Tech. However, he is a track athlete with excellent speed and the style of offense the Browns intend to run could be a better fit than either of the collegiate offenses in which he played.

WR Cedric Tillman

The top pick of the draft, Tillman has a case to make that he was woefully underdrafted. An excellent combination of size, strength, speed and hands, he has the traits of a true X receiver. And with Amari Cooper missing some time, he's had an opportunity to get reps with Deshaun Watson.

Tillman may have limited opportunities to make a huge splash this season because the Browns have talent at that position. Nevertheless, the Hall of Fame game, the preseason as a whole offers him a platform to show what other teams allowed the Browns to grab in round three.

The Four Ohio State Buckeye Rookies

Dawand Jones and Luke Wypler should get time on the offensive line while Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister are undrafted rookies trying to crash a talented secondary.

Jones should thrive in this setting. He was a fantastic tackle the past two years in college. Jones doesn't need to get bigger or stronger. He simply needs to just do what he's done to this point while adapting his talents to the Browns offensive scheme.

Wypler might have a more difficult time because he does need to get stronger in the NFL. Still, he's notably light on his feet and rarely makes a mistake either with his technique or his calls up front.

Hickman might have the clearest path to make the opening day roster at safety. Jim Schwartz has had success with box safeties like Hickman who thrive playing forward, able to make plays on the ball or scrape and tackle ball carriers trying to get outside.

McCalister looks more like a combo safety who can function in the slot. If he can bring the same element that M.J. Stewart did when he was with the Browns, that might be reason enough to keep him.

LB Charlie Thomas III

A personal favorite, Thomas is a former 5-star recruit. He played as a money backer for Georgia Tech and was dominant, able to make tons of plays in the backfield and has a knack for causing turnovers. He's light, but he's athletic and versatile, has the ability to contribute on special teams. His best path to make the team might be on the practice squad, but it would be a mistake to bet against him.

DL Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and Siaki Ika

The Browns have added a number of front line players to the defensive line in the offseason. Even if Myles Garrett, Dalvin Tomlinson, Za'Darius Smith and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo are everything the Browns are hoping, the team still needs depth that can contribute.

Last year, Wright was a developmental rookie and looked it. It was a struggle. Now, hopefully a year stronger and wiser, Wright has a chance to carve out a role.

McGuire looked more prepared to contribute as a rookie coming out of Missouri, but this will give him the first to start proving it.

Ika is arguably more important given the sad state of the Browns defensive tackle depth chart. They need more proven help, but even if they get it, they need their depth to contribute. No easy task for a rookie, but Ika charging up the field for 10 to 15 snaps a game could be effective.

EDGE Lonnie Phelps

While the three previous defensive linemen are a good bet to make the opening day roster, Phelps is going to have to convince the Browns to keep six defensive ends to make the opening day roster. Phelps has a chance to be the most fun player of the Browns preseason.

His playing style is easy to love. He's fast, powerful and violent. Phelps will come screaming off the edge and if he can't go around the blocker, he'll try to go through them. He also tracks down ball carriers like a linebacker. And if they have him contribute on special teams, few people want to get in the way of Phelps going full bore on kickoff coverage.