The Cleveland Browns get set to take on the New York Jets on Thursday Night as they participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game. And on the heels of their preseason opener, the Browns have released their initial depth chart.
While it is unofficial and predominantly standard, there are a few key items that cause an eyebrow to raise from this depth chart. Here we discuss four things that stood out as the Browns are through one week of training camp and get set to take on the Jets.
DT Trysten Hill listed above Maurice Hurst
The Browns went out of their way to improve the interior of their defensive line, signing three defensive tackles and drafting another. And as it turns out, it is Trysten Hill and not Maurice Hurst who is listed at the top of the second team. Even Tommy Togiai got the nod over Hurst as the second-team defensive tackle.
There is no doubt that the athletic ceiling is there for Hill, a former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys. However, he has a bit of a reputation as a dirty player and has battled injuries. It appears at this point, however, that he is making an impression on his defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Jaelon Darden has early edge over Jakeem Grant Sr., Anthony Schwartz
Joining the Browns in December of 2022, wide receiver Jaelon Darden played just three total snaps in Cleveland. However, now with a full summer in the building, Darden finds himself above veterans Jakeem Grant Sr. and Anthony Schwartz on the initial depth chart.
While Schwartz has little hope of making the roster this summer, the Browns restructured the deal of the All-Pro return man in Grant that made his roster spot a bit safer. Darden is also listed as a third-team return man, so there is a chance the Browns prefer the upside of the young receiver over the veteran.
With the looming blood clot issues with Marquise Goodwin, however, both Darden and Grant could make the roster.
Matthew Adams listed above Jordan Kunaszyk in battle for special teamer in LB room
When projecting the final 53-man roster, the hardest thing to anticipate is how guys who are predominantly special teams aces fit into the overall picture. Especially when they play the same position. That is the case this year as both Matthew Adams and Jordan Kunaszyk are known for their prowess in the third phase of the game.
Adams, however, is getting the nod over Kunaszyk at this time as he is listed as a second-teamer despite a calf injury that will sideline him for a couple of weeks. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone has declared his love for Adams, which certainly helps, but it will be interesting to see if Kunaszyk can take advantage while Adams remains on the sidelines.
Cedric Tillman, Dawand Jones already climbing the depth chart
Initial depth charts tell you very little about rookies as NFL teams bury them initially and force the youngsters to earn their keep. And that is the case with Cleveland’s initial depth chart as all of the rookies are at the bottom of their respective positions. Except for wide receiver Cedric Tillman and offensive tackle Dawand Jones (there are some bottom-of-the-90-man roster players below rookies as well like Michael Dwumfour and Chris Westry).
And again, the looming health issues of Goodwin certainly elevate Tillman a bit as well. But Jones and Tillman are the only rookies listed as second-teamers on the depth chart.
Both will get plenty of playing time on Thursday night, as will the other rookies, but Tillman and Jones are already stamping their mark in camp.
