Predicting Browns' Breakout Players at 2024 OTAs, Minicamp

The quarterbacks on the Cleveland Browns roster have a big opportunity in front of them at OTAs and minicamp.

Deshaun Watson is working back to full strength after offseason shoulder surgery.

Jameis Winston, Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson come into the summer workouts in that order on the depth chart.

Winston and Thompson-Robinson may be under the microscope the most because of their potential roles.

Winston could be the backup quarterback the Browns need to have success if Watson goes down with another injury.

Thompson-Robinson needs a strong summer just to be in contention to make the 53-man roster. Every snap matters to him as he either tries to prolong his Browns career or land elsewhere.

Jameis Winston

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints directs his team in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Winston was a fascinating offseason signing for the Browns.

He was inked to be Watson's backup for the 2024 season, but at least at OTAs and minicamp, he will be the top signal-caller.

Watson could return sooner, but the Browns will likely try not to rush his return to the practice field so that he is fully healed for the start of the regular season.

Winston is one of the better backup options across the NFL and he may help the Browns solve the backup quarterback woes that happened between Watson's injury and Joe Flacco's surprise success late in the season.

The Browns hope they do not have to go to backup again, but Winston's potential success at OTAs and minicamp will at least provide some reassurance about where the franchise stands at the position.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 24: Dorian Thompson-Robinson #17 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Thompson-Robinson needs to make every rep count this summer.

His spot on the 53-man roster is in danger if you look at who the Browns brought in at quarterback.

Winston and Tyler Huntley have been more accomplished starters and backups than the UCLA product, who had one touchdown and four interceptions in 2023.

Thompson-Robinson must find a way to beat out Huntley for the No. 3 quarterback role to stay on the Browns roster.

If that does not happen, DTR needs to at least impress the Browns staff enough so that he is recommended to another team with a quarterback need.

Injuries happened at an alarming rate at the quarterback position last season, so a strong summer could, at minimum, help DTR land somewhere else to fill up a 53-man roster spot.

Zak Zinter

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 02: (L-R) Mike Sainristil #0, Trevor Keegan #77, Zak Zinter #65, and Josaiah Stewart #5 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate with the Big Ten Championship trophy after winning the Big Ten Championship against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 26-0. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Zak Zinter is more of a long-term project compared to the other Browns draft picks.

The third-round pick out of Michigan suffered a broken tibia and fibula late in the Wolverines' title-winning season.

Zinter participated in rookie minicamp, per The Athletic's Zac Jackson, and he has the potential to do more in OTAs and minicamp.

Zinter does not have a starting role lined up because of the Browns' O-line depth, but if he has a strong summer, he can provide some stability behind those players.

An impressive set of practices would also allow Zinter to put trust back in his body on his journey back to 100 percent strength following the major leg breaks.