Category: Projections

Browns Vs Chiefs Week 1: Behind Enemy Lines with Chiefs Wire

What does Week 1 mean to the Chiefs? What’s up with their OL and defense? When must we know about Honey Badger? Behind Enemy Lines with @TheChiefsWire here with the answers:

As we prepare to watch the Cleveland Browns take on the Kansas City Chiefs, we wanted to get a better feel for how things are looking for the home team in Week 1. Browns versus Chiefs could be the best game of the opening week of the NFL season.

We checked in with Charles Goldman Managing Editor of Chiefs Wire for a look into the opponent in Week 1’s Behind Enemy Lines series:

The Chiefs remade their offensive line this offseason after a disastrous experience in the Super Bowl, which position (or positions) might still be a weak link there for Week 1?

It’d be a real homer answer to say they don’t have a weak link, but compared to the Super Bowl it really feels like it. I’m going to go with the left tackle position, though. The Chiefs’ big-time trade acquisition, Orlando Brown Jr., has been the weakest player in pass protection through three preseason games. While all other starters only allowed a single pressure combined, he allowed one in each preseason game. He’s still clearly making some adjustments moving to a pass-heavy scheme in Kansas City, while coming from a run-heavy scheme in Baltimore.

Nationally, there are concerns about the Chiefs’ defense but there are big names on that side of the ball. Is KC actually concerned about the quality of their defense?

I don’t think anyone who actually saw the Chiefs defense play during the preseason is too concerned. The starting defensive unit for Kansas City allowed just 56 yards, three first downs and no touchdowns through all three preseason games. That includes snaps played against Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Kyler Murray, and Kirk Cousins. They also tied for the most sacks in the league (15) through the entire preseason. They did that without Frank Clark for all three games. Chris Jones also missed the Week 3 game against the Vikings. Really, this group looks deeper and more comfortable than they’ve ever been in their two years prior under Steve Spagnuolo.

While we know Patrick Mahomes just keeps getting better, is there a hope of slowing down the Chiefs’ passing attack besides a bad offensive line?

You can hope that the pass-catchers forget they have hands. Browns fans probably know what that is like after having Demetrius Harris on the team. Look, It’s really tough to stop what the Chiefs have got going on offense. Between Mahomes’ natural talent, the bevy of weapons on offense and the schematic genius dreamt up by Andy Reid — you’ve got to catch them on the right day if you’re going to come away with a win.

Tyrann Mathieu continues to be out due to COVID-19, is there a drop-dead date where he must return to play Sunday afternoon?

Yeah, they need to activate Mathieu from the Reserve/COVID-19 list by Saturday at 4:00 p.m. league office time. If that happens he’ll have a chance to play. He’s been participating in team meetings via Zoom. Both Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo have mentioned that Mathieu is the type of player who doesn’t need to practice in order to play. Typically, Reid requires his guys to get in a limited practice on Friday in order to have a shot to play.

This game has a lot of meaning to Cleveland, does it feel that way for Kansas City or are the Browns just another game?

Sure, the Chiefs aren’t out for any postseason revenge, but this game has a ton of meaning for the players, coaches and fans in Kansas City. It’s not because they’re playing the Browns, but rather because it’s the first game since a massively disappointing performance in Super Bowl LV. The Chiefs want to put that game behind them and the only way to truly do that is to start the season off strong with a win over an ascendant team in the AFC conference.

Make sure to follow Goldman and Chiefs Wire for everything Kansas City from now until after the game ends.

Browns 2021 NFL season: A few questions remain unanswered

While the Browns offseason and preseason have been close to flawless, questions still remain as we turn our eyes to the Browns 2021 NFL season:

We are only a few days away from the kickoff of the Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL season. The anticipation has built for the season ever since the Browns season ended in Kansas City in the playoffs.

It is only right that the season starts in Kansas City in Week 1 against the defending AFC champion Chiefs. While the first game will far from decide the results of the Browns 2021 season, it will be a good measuring stick.

Andrew Berry and his front office, along with input from Kevin Stefanski and his coaching staff, have put together a roster that looks as good as any in the league. That doesn’t mean questions do not still remain.

While excited for what the team has on paper, there are things still needed to be proved on the field.

Projecting the Browns depth chart for Week 1 after roster cutdowns

Projecting the Browns depth chart for Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs after roster cutdowns

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, GM Andrew Berry and their assistants have formed the initial 53-man roster for the 2021 season. While it will change due to injuries and potential moves throughout the season, the roster for Week 1 is set.

When the Browns head to Kansas City to face the defending AFC champion Chiefs in Week 1, this is the projected depth chart for Cleveland.

Browns practice squad predictions

Taking a look at who might comprise the Browns initial 16-man practice squad tomorrow afternoon:

The Cleveland Brown 53-man roster is now set for about 24 hours. Tomorrow, the team will at least add linebacker Jacob Phillips to the injured reserve list and make a corresponding move.

The Browns will also look at the possibility of claiming young players who were waived by teams today or signing veterans who are also unemployed at this time.

With a deep roster and Super Bowl aspirations, Cleveland may be choosy in who they add to their roster, valuing system knowledge over slightly more talented players from other teams.

That could also be true when it comes to the team’s practice squad. This year, like last, the NFL has more flexibility when it comes to the practice squad with teams having the ability to call players up for games. The sixteen-man roster is tough to predict because all of these players could either be claimed by another team or decide to sign with another team, either on the regular roster or practice squad.

Nonetheless, let us take a look at who the Browns could have on their initial practice squad with our predictions. At least one of these players, to replace Phillips, will likely be on the roster by 4 PM tomorrow:

Players just cut from the Browns roster returning

  • DE Porter Gustin
  • WR KhaDarel Hodge
  • DT Marvin Wilson
  • S Javonte Moffatt
  • LB Willie Harvey Jr.
  • LB Elijah Lee
  • RB John Kelly
  • DL Sheldon Day
  • FB Johnny Stanton
  • DE Curtis Weaver
  • TE Jordan Franks
  • WR JoJo Natson

Players from other teams’ rosters

  • QB Nick Mullens – A reported
  • OT Carson Green – Could be claimed but a young, development tackle.
  • DE Ifeadi Odenigob – The Centerville, Ohio native was with Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota in 2019 when he had seven sacks.
  • WR Antonio Gandy-Golden – Physically gifted, AGG would give the Browns a bigger target at receiver to develop.

As noted, Cleveland may value players with knowledge of the system more than players with slightly more talent. For most teams, a majority of their practice squad will be players they recently cut or waived. Like the 53-man roster, the practice squad is subject to change at any time.

Browns cut down day: Quick thoughts on final roster moves

Before more moves get made, a few thoughts on the Browns roster and decisions so far before an updated 53-man roster projection. At least one trade assumed:

With the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL set to cut down their rosters to their initial 53-man, today is a big day. While the Browns roster will change on Wednesday, we will get some clarity about some of the roster battles we have seen throughout training camp.

As of 10 AM on Tuesday, based on reports we can trust, the Browns have nine moves left to make. One of those moves will be placing Davion Davis on the suspended list for two weeks, leaving eight more moves to make.

Here are some quick thoughts on what is left for Cleveland to do:

  • The team is in discussion for a variety of trades but, with so many moving pieces throughout the NFL at the same time, it can get difficult.
  • While KhaDarel Hodge has been discussed as a possible trade or waiver candidate, Rashard Higgins could also be in jeopardy.
    • Some whispers of a trade of one of those guys for Chase Winovich, reportedly on the New England bubble, continue to make its rounds.
  • Mack Wilson has made the roster unless a trade actually happens. Wilson has looked much better this year and the team needs linebackers.
  • Jacob Phillips will make the initial roster then go on injured reserve.
    • Tony Fields II could join him in that process.
    • A veteran, like Malcolm Smith, could get cut for one day while that process takes place.
  • Malik McDowell has made the roster.
  • The report on Porter Gustin being gone was somewhat surprising. The edge group is thin unless they really think McDowell and Sheldon Day can slide outside some.
  • At least starting out, looks like only four safeties making the roster with M.J. Stewart able to play both corner and safety in a pinch, if he makes the roster.
  • Injuries to Drew Forbes and Michael Dunn create question marks on the offensive line. James Hudson III’s struggles complicate things even more.
  • Greg Senat was placed on injured reserve but could be Chris Hubbard’s replacement as a veteran swing tackle in 2022 while Hudson continues to develop.
  • Really interested in what the team does at fullback. They seemed to be highlighting Johnny Stanton for another team to try to trade for or to test him in case he could replace Andy Janovich and save a few cap dollars.
    • Talk of him as the team’s fourth TE is also interesting but seems less likely.
  • The offense has a lot of talent making decisions there hard while the defense is lacking the extra 3 to 5 players on the backend of the depth charts that they need.
    • This is where trades could help balance the roster.
  • While the Browns compete for a Super Bowl in 2021, there will be a few players that are more long-term plays like Hudson and Demetric Felton.
  • If Hodge is dealt, who are the gunners on special teams? Richard LeCounte III is probably one.
  • If players like Elijah Lee and Sione Takitaki don’t make the roster, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will likely be a key special teams player.
  • Special teams will have to play some role in decisions today even though a player like Wilson hasn’t played many snaps there, he may need to.
  • The defensive line, as a whole, is concerning to me. A lot riding on Jadeveon Clowney, Takk McKinley, Malik Jackson and McDowell. None have been consistent or consistently healthy recently (or ever for Clowney and McDowell).
  • Expecting two trades to adjust the roster.
  • Expecting two or three moves Wednesday to further change things from the initial 53-man.

Here is my best guess, quickly, of the initial 53-man roster:

QBs: 2

Baker Mayfield
Case Keenum

RBs: 5

Nick Chubb
Kareem Hunt
Demetric Felton
D’ernest Johnson
Andy Janovich (FB)

TEs: 3

Austin Hooper
Harrison Bryant
David Njoku

WRs: 5

Odell Beckham Jr.
Jarvis Landry
KhaDarel Hodge or Rashard Higgins
Anthony Schwartz
Donovan Peoples-Jones

OTs: 4

Jack Conklin
Jedrick Wills
Chris Hubbard
James Hudson

IOL: 5

Joel Bitonio
JC Tretter
Wyatt Teller
Nick Harris
Michael Dunn

Defense

DT: 6

Andrew Billings
Tommy Togiai
Jordan Elliott
Malik Jackson
Malk McDowell
Sheldon Day

DE: 5

Myles Garrett
Takk McKinley
Jadeveon Clowney
Joe Jackson
Player Higgins or Hodge traded for

LBs: 5

Anthony Walker
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Mack Wilson
Jacob Phillips
Tony Fields II

CBs: 6

Denzel Ward
Greedy Williams
Troy Hill
Greg Newsome
MJ Stewart
AJ Green

Safeties: 4

Grant Delpit
John Johnson
Ronnie Harrison
Richard LeCounte

Specialists: 3

Charley Hughlett
Jamie Gillan
Cody Parkey

Browns final 53-man roster projection after the preseason

Our Jeff Risdon with his post-preseason prediction of the initial Browns 53-man roster

Now that the preseason is over, Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry and his staff have the unenviable task of trimming the team’s roster from 80 to 53.

Following Sunday night’s exhibition game in Atlanta, the Browns have about 40 hours before the NFL’s deadline at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st. There are some tough decisions to be made at several roster spots.

Here is my final projection. Note that this is just for the initial 53 on the roster after the first cutdown deadline. Expect changes, be it players who make the cut going on I.R. or waiver claims, on Wednesday that shake up at least three of the spots here.

New Browns, Baker Mayfield contract extension projection

Both sides hope to get a deal done in a “when not if” type situation but the contract projection from ESPN is quite interesting for the Browns QB:

The Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield are focused squarely on the start of the 2021 season and Week 1 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mayfield has made it clear that a contract extension is something he will let his agents handle until it is time for him to get involved. The Browns, for their part, have made it clear they want their quarterback around for a long time.

That does not mean the two sides are close to an agreement. Mayfield’s situation is a precarious one. Took the league by storm as a rookie, faltered among terrible situations in his second year and then took off in the second half of 2020. That history creates some uncertainty for Cleveland but the times he was successful creates expectations from the player’s side.

Odds are the two sides will get it worked out. More of a question of “when not if” but until it gets done, extension talks will simmer.

In a subscriber piece on ESPN, Brodie Waters provided insight on to what to expect for a few players facing extensions including Mayfield:

Mayfield isn’t expected to reach Josh Allen’s six-year, $258 million extension signed earlier this month, so maybe that alleviates pressure on both sides. But Allen became the third quarterback to reach the $40 million annual plateau and the fifth at $35 million or above. That range is now a starting point for any young quarterback who can make a case as a top-15 passer.

When predicting an extension for Mayfield, Waters has some interesting details:

Five years with $206 million in new cash, $152.6 million over the next three years, a $30 million signing bonus and $143 million total guaranteed. Big option bonuses over the first two years are necessary to get this payout high for cap purposes, Waters said.

That puts him below Allen but ahead of Dak Prescott, who, interestingly enough, is a comp that several NFL evaluators make for Mayfield’s ceiling as a player.

The piece also makes note of Denzel Ward and Wyatt Teller as players seeking extensions. Teller, who is set to be a free agent, and Ward, who has two years left on his contract could be next up on the Browns list after extending Nick Chubb.

Predicting the first 5 cuts for the Browns after the preseason opener

Who might be a part of the first five cuts for the Browns after their first preseason game?

The Cleveland Browns played well in their preseason opener with very few glaring concerns presenting themselves. The team turning the corner in 2020 and now being expected to win is a big change. Last night, the Browns second and third teams outplayed the Jacksonville Jaguars first and second teams.

That role reversal may take some time to get used to.

Unfortunately for five current Browns players, their hopes of making the team’s initial 53-man roster will come to an end soon. While the first five cuts are not due until Tuesday, it is possible Cleveland will make their decisions sooner rather than later.

Of note, the first two cuts (each consisting of five players for ten total) may not be only due to skill level. Instead, injuries around the team could lead the Browns to keep a less talented player at a position that they need depth to make it through camp and the next two preseason games with.

Cleveland will also try to keep players around until the final cut down that they hope to get on their practice squad.

Here are some names that could be a part of the first five cuts:

Browns just miss the top 5 in Touchdown Wire’s power rankings

The Cleveland Browns just miss the top 5 in Touchdown Wire’s preseason power rankings

The Cleveland Browns are so very close to the edge of glory. But in the moment of truth, Touchdown Wire left the Browns hanging just outside the top 5 in its preseason power rankings.

The Browns will have to settle at going gaga over being No. 6 in the poll. But in reading the explanation from analyst Doug Farrar, it seems more of a sorting preference than any indication the Browns don’t belong in the top 5,

Last season, the Browns posted an 11-5 mark, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Were it not for a few unlucky breaks in the divisional round against the Chiefs, it might have been Cleveland facing the Bills in the AFC Championship game.

The Browns did all this with a safety group filled with box guys and no deep erasers. General manager Andrew Berry endeavored to flip that script in 2021, signing former Rams safety John Johnson and anticipating the return of 2020 first-round pick Grant Delpit, who missed his entire rookie campaign to a torn Achilles tendon. Denzel Ward is a top-level cornerback, Johnson’s old Rams teammate Troy Hill should excel in the slot, and since Cleveland seems to have everything else in place (seriously — try to find a real weakness anywhere on the roster), we might be looking at the first Browns teams capable of competing for multiple championships since Whitesnake was relevant.

A win over the top-ranked Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 should catapult the Browns into the top five. Of course it will mean a lot more if Cleveland is one of the final four teams playing in the postseason next January.

The Browns Wire consensus 53-man roster projections

Comparing and contrasting the Browns 53-man roster projections from Browns Wire’s Jared Mueller and Jeff Risdon

The Cleveland Browns have gathered at the team training facility in Berea for the 2021 training camp. There are 90 players fighting for 53 spots on the active roster once the regular season starts.

Instead of presenting just one projection for which players make the final roster, we decided to do things a little differently. Editor Jared Mueller and I each came up with our own projections independently.

This is the result of the two projections blended together. You’ll see where we agreed, where we saw things divergently, and where the Browns’ biggest camp battles and decisions are coming.