Roster Holes Browns Must Fill Before Training Camp
The Cleveland Browns have done a good job of building up depth on their roster to ensure they are in better shape to deal with injuries in 2024.
There is more depth behind Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb and Jerry Jeudy's addition as the No. 2 wide receiver gives the Browns more play-making threats on offense.
However, there are still some holes the Browns need to worry about going into training camp.
There is not a backup plan behind David Njoku at tight end and the linebacker depth could use some improvements.
The Browns are not in dire straits across the roster, but a few more upgrades could make them a more complete team.
Tight End
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The Browns are one David Njoku injury away from having no depth at tight end.
Jordan Akins is Njoku's backup, and while he carries value in other aspects of the offense, he is not a volume pass-catcher.
Njoku was arguably the Browns' most important player down the stretch as they got into the playoffs behind Joe Flacco.
If the Browns offense is at its best in 2024, Njoku could make a charge at the 1,000-yard mark. He had a career best 882 receiving yards in 2023.
Akins has never had more than 500 receiving yards in a single season, and while he came close to that with 495 yards in Houston in 2023, he does not carry the same explosive skill set at Njoku.
There is a significant drop off from Njoku to Akins. Any injury would alter how the Browns approach the passing game.
The Browns probably are not going to go out and sign another tight end because that player would not get many targets, but if they should at least explore the free-agent pool to add a bit more depth in case the worst-case scenario pops up.
Linebacker
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The Browns are set in the middle of defense with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks in the starting linebacker positions.
However, the depth behind the three projected starters is not good.
There will be a heavy reliance on the starting trio to make a ton of tackles in the second level of defense. None of them are expected to take many breaks throughout games.
One of the Browns' primary goals in training camp should be to develop more reliable linebacker depth behind their starters.
That would at least ease any concerns about the Browns' defensive performances if any of them have to miss time.
Kick and Punt Returner
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The new emphasis on the kickoff game opens up one spot for someone on the Browns roster to take over.
Nyheim Hines is a fascinating fit for that position, but he the former Buffalo and Indianapolis player has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons.
The explosiveness may not be there for the reserve running back whose best chance to get on the 53-man roster may be in the return game. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman are in place as Nick Chubb's backups.
James Proche, Cedric Tillman and Jamari Thrash could all be considered in that role as well. That might be their path to more time on the field given how top-heavy the wide receiver group is with Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy.
The Browns do not have a return man set yet, and there is a chance none of the options are good enough, which at least makes it a spot to watch in training camp.
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