Projecting the Cleveland Browns Potential Rough Roster Cuts

Kyle Lauletta, QB

This is an easy one here with the Browns having a clear backup in Case Keenum that was really never in competition with Lauletta from the start. Lauletta is likely here to show some tape and hopes to be added as a roster filler down the line in the league. Without much injury risk of Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, we can lock this one in. 

D'Ernest Johnson, RB

I think Johnson may be one of the most interesting players on the roster bubble because the Browns have two starting-caliber running backs and a fullback that is locked into the roster. This leaves Johnson and Demetric Felton as running back options on the roster. Felton is a rookie who has really impressed in camp and has a lot of versatility after being both an RB and a WR in college. 

Johnson has also been good in camp, and he has been good for the Browns in the past. In general, we usually would see the Browns try to take four backs into the 53-man roster. Here, there is a world where the Browns consider Felton as a “flex player” and allow themselves to be a bit more flexible. Johnson has had some NFL success averaging 5 YPC last season, and would be someone that other teams could look to poach if he wasn't on the roster.

Davion Davis, WR

Davis has been the receiving yards leader in both of the Browns’ first two preseason games, but this isn’t always a great sign as to who will make the final roster. The WR roster seems pretty clear here, especially if we see them consider Felton as a flex player and do keep Johnson on the roster. I expect a six receiver roster with Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge, and Anthony Schwartz. Davis will likely be a practice squad guy moving forward for the Browns. 

Drew Forbes, OL

Forbes was a sixth round pick in 2019 from a small school, and he really hasn’t made enough of a move to keep a roster spot. I’d expect to see four tackles, three guards and two centers, and Forbes doesn’t have the versatility to swing around much, and he hasn’t made a move that would even put him on the bubble for me. 

Cameron Malveaux

Malveaux is a 26-year old undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Dolphins in 2017. While he should stick on the practice squad, Malveaux is probably the result of a deep defensive line room and won’t be able to make much of a splash late in the preseason to make a leap here. 

Elijah Lee

Lee is someone that I could see making a roster if there was a 54th or 55th man. Still, the addition of rookies Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Tony Fields II makes it so that Lee basically has to get cut unless they want to lose someone like Field II, who was a fifth round pick that hasn’t played much due to injury. This just isn't going to occur, and Lee will be on the outside looking in.