None of the new signings are official yet, but here is what the Browns depth chart looks like after the first 24 hours of the start of the free agency signing period.
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield, *Case Keenum, Garrett Gilbert
The addition of Case Keenum is in no way an inditement of Baker Mayfield’s ability or his longterm outlook with this franchise. In fact, improving the back-up quarterback position during this free agency was one of my biggest wants for the Cleveland Browns. Keenum brings knowledge of the system with his him in Minnesota and familiarity with the offensive line calls due to his time with Bill Callahan. Above all, Keenum brings in a veteran voice, which was non-existent in the 2019 quarterback room.
Running Back
Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Dontrell Hilliard, D’Ernest Johnson
Outside of the amazing one-two punch of Chubb and Hunt, the Browns have a lot of work to do. Hilliard showed lapses in the return game and Johnson is just a guy. In a deep running back class, the Browns would be prudent to begin thinking about life after Kareem Hunt.
Wide Receiver
Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham, Taywan Taylor, Damion Ratley, Khadarel Hodge, J’Mon Moore, DJ Montgomery
Similar to the running back position, the Browns are set at the top of the depth chart but need to improve the overall depth at the position. Ideally, the Browns don’t invest too much more in this position since Kevin Stefanski predominantly runs out of a two-tight end alignment. There is still a chance Rashard Higgins returns.
Tight End
*Austin Hooper, David Njoku, Pharaoh Brown, Stephen Carlson
In 2019 Kevin Stefanski utilized two-TE sets more than any other team in the NFL (53% of plays). The signing of Hooper only reinforces what Stefanski has done and what he is planning on implementing with the Browns schematically.
Offensive Tackle
*Jack Conklin, Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm
I like the addition of Conklin. He not only fits a need but is an ideal fit for the zone-scheme the Browns have implemented under Stefanski. Overall, there is a lot of work yet to be done at this position and I have concerns about the possibility of releasing Hubbard without viable depth being brought in. Tackle is still one of the main positions of need for this franchise.
Offensive Guard
Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Drew Forbes, Colby Gossett
Not necessarily a major need with this group, but further development will need to happen. Bitonio will undoubtedly hold down left guard, but who will be the right guard? At one of the most replaceable positions on an NFL roster, I do believe the Browns have someone in house and offensive line coach Bill Callahan has the ability to maximize the abilities of the person who earns the job.
Center
J.C. Tretter, Lo Falemaka, Willie Wright
The Browns are lucky to have one of the best pivot guys in the league in Tretter. The zone scheme will be a slight change for him, but he should adapt quickly. Similar to other positions, improving depth will be very important.
Fullback
*Andy Janovich, Johnny Stanton
With an investment of a 2021 seventh-round draft pick the Browns have added a quality piece who fits their system. Janovich brings to the table good athleticism, decent hands, and the mentality you need to play this position in a zone-blocking scheme.
Edge
Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Chad Thomas, Brandin Bryant, Trevon Young
Effective pass-rushers are not easy to come by and often cost a lot to acquire. Right now, the duo of Garrett and Vernon, when healthy, can be effective pass-rushers. Beyond those two, the Browns do not have much depth after John Dorsey sent Genard Avery, Emmanuel Ogbah, Nate Orchard, and Carl Nassib packing.
Interior Defensive Line
*Andrew Billings, Sheldon Richardson, Larry Ogunjobi, Eli Ankou, Justin Zimmer, Daniel Ekuale
I had some questions about the interior of the defensive line before the Billings signing. After the signing I feel a little better. With Billings added to the roster, the Browns can rotate/match-up three interior defensive lineman.
Linebacker
*BJ Goodson, Sione Takitaki, Mack Wilson, Tae Davis, Will Harvey Jr., Robert McCray, Jermaine Grace, Porter Gustin
The era of Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey has ended and the regime of Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson is ready to take over. OK, maybe this is a bit of an extreme statement. However, both TakiTaki and Wilson are the heir apparent players for their respective positions after the Browns acquired them through the draft in 2019. While not flashy, the addition of Goodson brings in additional competition for playing time and a great special teams player.
Cornerback
Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, Terrance Mitchell, Tavierre Thomas, Robert Jackson, Donnie Lewis
The secondary has come together nicely over the last couple of years and with Greedy in line for a second-year leap, the Browns should feel good about their top three cornerbacks. The real problem for the Browns comes from the slot cornerback role. A slot corner needs to be uniquely adept at covering the slot wide receiver and should have the ability to hold up in run support.
A combination of instincts and versatility are required to play this role. Also, if I am being picky, I want to see the Browns add a bigger body to their secondary. At times, both Ward and Williams can be pushed around by bigger-bodied pass-catchers and the Browns do not currently have an answer for this on their roster.
Safety
*Karl Joseph, Sheldrick Redwine, J.T. Hassell, Montrel Meander
Depth at this position, like so many others, will be how the Browns survive. Joseph is a great signing and Redwine showed flashes towards the end of 2019. Both Joseph and Redwine will need help to secure the backend of the defense.
Specialists
Jamie Gillan (punter), Charley Hughlett (long snapper), Austin Seibert (kicker)
Draft Picks: 1, 41, 74, 97, 115, 187, 244
* indicates a free agent signing.