Time to trim down the offseason roster.
Predicting a teams 53 man roster has become a yearly tradition for most people covering the NFL. And it never gets any easier.
Using information based on previous roster trends, and my best judgement on the teams motives, here is my best shot at predicting the Cleveland Browns initial 53 man roster for the 2025 season.
Starting with the offense
Quarterback (4)
Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
While I would not rule out a trade prior to Week 1, the Browns will stick to their guns and keep all four quarterbacks on the initial 53 man roster.
Gabriel and Sanders will start the season on the sidelines, but both rookies could see playing time this year.
Running Back (3)
Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong
With second round pick Quinshon Judkins still not signed amidst an ongoing NFL investigation, the Browns opt to only carry three running backs, with the plan to eventually add Judkins down the line.
Wide Receiver (6)
Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Carter, Gage Larvadain
It is possible the Browns only carry five wide receivers, but with just three players making the team at both the running back and tight end positions, the Browns find room for rookie undrafted free agent (UDFA) Gage Larvadain – who has impressed through training camp and preseason.
Tight End (3)
David Njoku, Harrold Fannin, Blake Whiteheart
Njoku and Fannin will both be mainstays of the Browns offense in 2025. Whiteheart claims the third spot due to his experience within the offense during the 2024 season.
Offensive Tackle (3)
Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, Cornellius Lucas
Offensive Guard (4)
Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Teven Jenkins, Zak Zinter
Center (2)
Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler
In order to make room elsewhere in the roster, the Browns only carry nine Offensive linemen (OL) instead of the traditional 10 they have carried in the past.
This includes a somewhat unconventional move with the team only rostering three listed tackles, given the versatility across the O-line and the better depth at the guard position.
The Browns will use a combination of tight ends, running backs and even rookie defensive tackle Adin Huntington to help out with blocking duties throughout the year.
And on defense
Defensive End (5)
Myles Garrett, Isaiah Maguire, Alex Wright, Joe Tyron-Shoyinka, Cameron Thomas
Defensive Tackle (5)
Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Shelby Harris, Adin Huntington, Sam Kamara
Defensive superstar Myles Garrett leads what is the teams deepest position group in 2025.
The Browns elect carry 10 defensive linemen on the initial 53 man roster, with Kamara or Thomas likely to give way for defensive tackle Mike Hall upon his return from injury.
Linebacker (5)
Carson Schwesinger, Jerome Baker, Devin Bush, Mohamoud Diabate, Winston Reid
With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Nathaniel Watson out for the season and veteran Jordan Hicks retiring this offseason, the Browns linebacker room essentially picks itself.
Standout rookie Schwesinger highlights the room and will take on the majority of responsibilities and snaps throughout the year.
Cornerback (5)
Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, Cameron Mitchell, Myles Harden, Dom Jones
Ward and Newsome are the only cornerbacks guaranteed to be on the roster in Week 1. After Martin Emerson suffered a season ending injury in camp, the Browns will look to add CB depth through the waiver wire.
The Browns carry five to start before adding a sixth before Week 1.
Safety (5)
Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Rayshawn Jenkins, Damontae Kazee, Chris Edmonds
The Browns could also look to add Safety depth through the waiver wire, but the need is not as urgent as the cornerback room.
Delpit and Hickman are both roster locks as the projected starters. Jenkins and Kazee provide veteran depth and second year UDFA Edmonds makes the initial roster due to the extra roster spot freed up from the cornerback room.
Do not forget Special Teams
Kicker – Andre Szmyt
Punter – Corey Bojorquez
Long Snapper – Rex Sunahara
After a poor 2024 season and more struggles throughout training camp, the Browns elect to move on from veteran kicker Hopkins.
Andre Szmyt wins the job after an impressive preseason.
