Potential Waiver Claims That Could Improve Browns

The Cleveland Browns have begun to make their final cuts as teams across the league must trim their rosters to an initial 53 players by 4 pm on Tuesday.

Once all of the initial cuts are made, teams will have the opportunity to claim players who were cut that are subject to waivers. Any player who is a vested veteran, (meaning they have accrued four seasons of a minimum of six games played) aren't subject to claims and must agree to sign with a team.

Currently the Browns are sitting 12th in order of teams to put in claims. Teams will have until noon on Wednesday to put in waiver claims. Practice squads will begin forming on Wednesday afternoon and should be completed in short order.

I spent time over the past few days combing over rosters around the league and reviewed the performance of players in camp and preseason games who are reportedly considered on the bubble. I have focused a majority of time on players that I think the Browns could be interested in adding.

There is no guarantee that these players will be cut and I am not suggesting that they should claim or sign every player from this list. I could see a player or two from this list being added and are worthy of a roster spot.

WR- Ihmir Smith-Marsette- Chiefs

Smith-Marsette is poised for a breakout in my opinion. There were times yesterday where he looked like the best player on the field. It's a crowded room in Kansas City as it would be in Cleveland. He could compete for the returning duties immediately and provide depth as a field stretcher behind Goodwin.

RB- Trey Sermon - Eagles

In this scenario Sermon could be brought in as the fourth running back on our initial depth chart.

TE- Stone Smartt - Chargers

The former quarterback and wide receiver in college has transitioned to a tight end for the Chargers in the NFL. He looks to have added weight after his rookie year and has had an excellent preseason. I was really impressed by his blocking and believe he has more upside than Bryant.

DT- Kentavius Street - Eagles

If you talk to anyone in the know covering the Eagles, the one guy they don't want to lose on the D-line is Street. He has played as well as anyone in camp but contracts and draft pedigree from others at the position will probably leave him off the 53 for the Eagles. He would immediately be an upgrade over Elliott or Hurst and see the third most snaps. Street is the only vested veteran on this list and he would be free to sign anywhere he chooses. I think Cleveland could be an attractive destination for him

CB- Eli Ricks - Eagles

Ricks is an undrafted free agent from Alabama and has outplayed Eagles 4th-round pick Keelee Ringo. He has the third overall coverage grade in the preseason according to PFF. He would be worth the flyer especially since A.J. Green has had a bit of a down preseason performance.

WR- Danny Gray - 49ers

Gray could play that field stretching role and has displayed his skills at the NFL level. They like his potential in San Francisco and the only reason I put him on this list is because he is currently working his way back from a shoulder injury and that could increase his chances of being cut. They also have a few other receivers who have made the roster battle much closer than one would think.

OG- Netane Muti - Raiders

Muti is currently competing for one of the teams backup guard spots. He is in the final year of his rookie deal despite being only 24 years old. He is an absolute mauler on the inside and unafraid to mix it up. His strength is off the charts, as he performed 44 reps on the bench prior to the draft at the age of 20. I would love to see Bill Callahan get an opportunity to work with him and I believe is upside would be much higher than Dunn.

TE- Albert Okwuegbunam - Broncos

If you wanted to take a flyer on a guy with talent, look no further than Albert O. He is probably more likely a potential trade target over the next couple of days but a cut is not out of the question. It appeared the Broncos were showcasing him to the rest of the league and perhaps the performance he put up would make them consider keeping him.