The talk throughout the first ten or so days of Cleveland Browns training camp has been on the quarterbacks, specifically Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. It’s rightfully so because it’s the most important position in sports.
However, there are other competitions across the roster that the fanbase should also be keeping an eye on throughout training camp and the upcoming preseason games.
Here are just a few players or specific position battles to start focusing on during the preseason.
Nickel Corner (Myles Harden, D’Angelo Ross, Tre Avery)
The nickel corner position has been one to watch since the Browns started on-field work back in the spring because the team didn’t necessarily address the depth of the cornerback position during the offseason. Yes, they have Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, but the rest of the room has been a serious question mark.
So far through training camp, the team has deployed Harden, Ross, and Avery at the nickel position as well as putting them on the outside at times when Ward and Campbell have had “rest days”.
Not only are they fighting to be the nickel corner, but they are also fighting for a roster spot, as the cornerback position has done some shuffling early in camp, and Andrew Berry will likely keep shuffling that position to find depth behind Ward and Campbell. Saturday could be a huge opportunity for those guys to lock up a roster spot potentially.
Wide Receiver Depth (Luke Floriea, Gage Larvadain, Tylan Wallace, Kole Wilson)
As of this writing, I would put four locks at the wide receiver position: Jerry Jeudy (barring trade), Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, and Isaiah Bond.
With the previous coaching staff, they kept six wide receivers, but with the uncertain depth at tight end and running back, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Browns could keep seven wide receivers.
All the receivers mentioned at the top have made flashes during training camp so far and will be showcased fully during the preseason with the second and third team offenses. Also, will have to watch how they perform on special teams as a gunner or in the return game.
The fanbase fell in love with Floriea during last year’s preseason before a hamstring injury ended the Cinderella Story. Larvadain was utilized mostly as a kick returner last season, which could give him a leg up over the other guys, although Wallace was a return specialist in Baltimore and has a history with Browns head coach Todd Monken. Kole Wilson is a UDFA from Baylor who led college football in return yards last season.
Logan Fano and Tyreak Sapp, EDGE
The Browns EDGE room has been one to watch since Myles Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1. They acquired Jared Verse in the deal, and he’s been great so far in terms of displaying his pass rush ability and his leadership both by example and vocally.
We know Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire will be on the roster, but the intrigue is at who will be the fourth man in the room. They kicked the tires on Jadeveon Clowney but after taking a visit to Cleveland, the veteran signed with the Houston Texans.
They still could add a veteran in free agency or make a trade as the preseason rolls on and cuts are made, but the guys who are getting the first opportunity are the two undrafted free agents in Fano and Sapp. The Browns gave Fano $310,000 guaranteed, and Sapp has a high motor, and some scouting reports have said he could be a versatile defensive lineman.