Tag: michael dunn

3 Browns named to Touchdown Wire’s All-Preseason Team

Three Browns players (two of which were cut) were named to Touchdown Wire’s All-Preseason team

The preseason has come to a close, and the Cleveland Browns have now also cut their roster down to 53 players. The four exhibition games the team played, however, were quite eye-opening to the team as players like rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepped up to the occasion. As a result, the Browns felt comfortable trading backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals and giving his job to the rookie gunslinger.

Touchdown Wire’s Jarrett Bailey also broke down the preseason play, naming his All-Preseason Team based on the play of those around the league who stood out. Overall, three players from the Browns made this standout list (two of which have been cut, however) for their performances this offseason as they look to make a statement around the league.

Here are the three Browns players who made Bailey’s All-Preseason Team and what the Touchdown Wire writer had to say about them.

OG Michael Dunn, DT Maurice Hurst II expected back after ‘bookkeeping’ move

The two veterans are expected back after young players are placed on IR.

Two of the more surprising cuts the Cleveland Browns made as they trimmed their roster to 53 players were offensive guard Michael Dunn and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II. According to Cleveland Dot Com’s Mary Kay Cabot, however, expect both players to return as their releases were “bookkeeping moves.” Kay Cabot explains the process here:

“The Browns also waived veteran guard Michael Dunn and veteran defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II, but both of those players are expected to be back soon. They were essentially bookkeeping moves designed to help get some of the Browns’ injured players such as linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk on short-term injured reserve, where they must remain until four games have been played.”

Essentially, Dunn and Hurst II are both vested players who have four or more years of service in the NFL. The Browns can release them without being exposed to waivers where another team can claim them as opposed to them cutting a young player they have to pray is not picked up by another team.

Unvested players have to be placed onto the initial 53-man roster before they can be placed on Injured Reserve as well. So young players who may be hurt right now cannot go straight to IR — this is why vested veterans are usually the targeted ones who teams will talk into their release and re-signing.

Of course, Dunn and Hurst II could shock the Browns and sign with another team, but usually, there is some sort of an agreement between the team and player (and their agent) that sweetens the pot for the player to make this type of bookkeeping possible.

For example, Hurst’s original deal he signed this offseason did not include any guaranteed money. In order to entice Hurst to agree to his release and subsequent re-signing, the Browns could either offer him more base money or guarantee a chunk of his salary that was not guaranteed on his initial deal.

As Cabot mentioned, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk is expected to be placed on Injured Reserve. The other candidate to hit IR would be second-year defensive end Alex Wright, who had arthroscopic knee surgery after the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Two released offensive linemen should interest the Commanders

The Commanders should consider adding these players to the offensive line for 2023.

In March, the Washington Commanders signed two veteran free agents early in free agency to start on the offensive line in 2023. Washington reached deals with Andrew Wylie to play right tackle and Nick Gates to play center.

In the 2023 NFL draft, Washington added Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg [third round] and Utah offensive tackle [Braeden Daniels]. Still, analysts and fans believe the Commanders didn’t do enough to fix a woeful unit.

On Monday, NFL teams began making roster cuts in order to get down to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline. Washington surprisingly placed Daniels on the reserve/injured list with a torn rotator cuff. That meant the Commanders could be looking to add a veteran tackle.

But that doesn’t mean Washington should forget about improving the interior depth, too. The Commanders have depth at center, with Gates, Stromberg and Tyler Larsen, who will likely make the 53-man roster. All three can play guard, too. As we know, it’s all about position flex for head coach Ron Rivera.

Over the last two days, a pair of intriguing offensive linemen were released. The Falcons released former third-round pick Jalen Mayfield, and the Browns released Michael Dunn. Both are guards and while the Commanders could use a veteran tackle, they can’t ignore adding players with either a high upside [Mayfield] or who could push one of their current starters [Dunn].

Mayfield, who was a third-round pick in 2021, played guard as a rookie. He struggled. He missed the 2022 season, and by the time he returned, Atlanta’s offensive line was set. Therefore, the Falcons released the disappointing Mayfield.

Mayfield may just need a change of scenery and possibly compete with Saahdiq Charles and/or Chris Paul. At worst, he could provide depth while offensive line coaches Juan Castillo and Travelle Wharton continue developing him.

As for Dunn, his release came as a surprise. He appeared in 28 games with four starts over the past three seasons. The 29-year-old is a native of Bethesda, Md., and played collegiately at Maryland.

Here’s what Jarrett Bailey of Touchdown Wire said about Dunn’s work this preseason.

Another Cleveland Brown, and for good reason because Dunn was a menace over the last month. He showed consistent ability to pull and get to the second level. An athlete in space clearing the path for ball carriers is all you could ask for in a guard, and Dunn showcased that ability.

The Commanders are high on Charles and right guard Sam Cosmi. Both are talented, athletic and former tackles. Both have had issues staying healthy, especially Charles.

Mayfield and Dunn would give you different things. Mayfield could be another project that Washington doesn’t have room for, which would be understandable. But Dunn would provide an immediate upgrade for the room.

Cleveland’s social media team had wished Dunn happy birthday on Twitter earlier in the day on Monday before he was released.

Should the Commanders look into acquiring either of these players or wait and see if a capable tackle hits the waiver wire?

The frustrating part for many fans is that this coaching staff thinks this unit is good enough. Is it? It could be, but the Commanders shouldn’t be against adding outside help because there are plenty of questions surrounding this group.

Browns surprisingly waive OG Michael Dunn

The Browns make an unexpected move, waiving a player who has started games for them.

As the Cleveland Browns continue their trek toward their initial 53-man roster, they have made a surprising and unexpected move. One of their more valuable offensive line depth pieces who even started with the first team offense in the absence of Joel Bitionio, the Browns have waived guard Michael Dunn (according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero).

This could be a move where the Browns trust Dunn to hold tight while they roster a player who needs to hit Injured Reserve, then they reach back out. However, Dunn will have to clear waivers, however, so there is no guarantee he will not land immediately with another franchise.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Upon Further Review: All-22 observations and standouts from tie vs. Eagles

The all-22 has been consumed. What stood out?

This Upon Further Review, which will highlight players like offensive guard Michael Dunn and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate will take a look at all-22 observations from Thursday’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Browns now enter their last preseason matchup before they have to cut down their roster from 90 to 53. The starters will play about 20-to-25 snaps in this game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before we cover that, however, let’s take one last look at the tape between the Browns and Eagles before turning the page to the Chiefs. And for the sake of furthering other conversations, we will refrain from talking about Austin Watkins. You can find information on his work and how that leaves the wide receiver room here.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns on offense vs. the Eagles

Who shined the most on offense against the Eagles

After several brutal practices with the Eagles in Philadelphia, the Cleveland Browns faced them in their third preseason game on Thursday night. The Austin Watkins Jr. story continued as he made even more impressive plays this week.

He understands how to attack a defense and mixes good size and body control with reliable hands making his case for why he should make the roster. Whether he makes it here or somewhere else Watkins Jr. will be on an active roster this year.

Outside of that, the offensive line depth continued to play at a high level with the two Ohio State rookies, Luke Wypler and Dawand Jones, playing well again. How did the top offensive players grade out in Philadelphia according to those at PFF?

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns on offense against the Commanders

Who showed up the most on Friday night?

Though the first-team offense of the Cleveland Browns didn’t score on their lone drive of the game they did march right down the field before stalling inside the five-yard line. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looked comfortable and confident running the offense something he did not do in the final six games last year.

Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson continued his impressive preseason and Kellen Mond have some nice plays late in the game. Elijah Moore showed his versatility by lining up in the backfield and producing from that spot while camp standout Austin Watkins continued to shine. Let’s take a look at the 10 highest-graded offensive players from Friday’s game according to PFF.

68 days until Browns season opener: 5 players to wear 68 in Cleveland

Only 68 days remain between you and Cleveland Browns football

We continue our countdown series to the kickoff of the Cleveland Browns 2023 season when they play the Bengals in Cleveland as a part of week one. There are only 68 days remaining before that day and in total the team has had 15 different players wear the number in franchise history.

The current player wearing that number is offensive guard Michael Dunn who was signed in an emergency during the Covid season in 2020 and has blossomed into a quality offensive lineman. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at five of the players that have dawned this number for your Browns.

Browns announce the re-signing of three depth players

The Browns have brought back three more of their own

The Cleveland Browns have added high-quality starters like defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill this offseason. However, they have also added competitive depth pieces, including some of their own. And now, they have announced the re-signing of three more depth pieces as NFL free agency continues along closer to the 2023 NFL draft.

Bringing back three players who have all seen significant time on the field for the team, the Browns are looking to breed competition in training camp. None of the three retained will be guaranteed a roster spot but will compete for a spot on the final 53-man roster. Who were those three players?

Browns address offensive line depth, re-sign guard Michael Dunn

Dunn provides solid depth on the interior.

The Cleveland Browns made a smart move by re-signing veteran offensive linemen Michael Dunn (according to his agent David Canter). Dunn provides stability along the inside of the offensive line as he has played at both guard spots as well as center during the preseason. He signs just in time to come back into the building for phase one of the offseason programming.

Last season Dunn was used as an extra offensive lineman in jumbo packages primarily as a run blocker. Dunn is a strong blocker that uses his hands well and drives players back in the run game. Though not perfect Dunn has developed into a player you feel comfortable spot starting if there are injuries and he is forced to play.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=635607757]