Predicting Browns' Top NFL Training Camp Breakout Players

Wide receiver has the potential to be one of the most fascinating positions to follow at Cleveland Browns training camp.

Browns fans should be locked into what Jerry Jeudy can do in support of Amari Cooper, but the battle deeper down the depth chart could produce some fireworks as well.

Cleveland has a handful of dynamic talents on the roster fighting for what could be two roster spots. That battle could grow to three spots if Elijah Moore underperforms or is let go in any capacity.

For now, the No. 4 and No. 5 wide receiver spots are wide open and that could lead to some incredible performances in preseason from the candidates for those jobs.

Cedric Tillman

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Cedric Tillman #19 of the Cleveland Browns runs a route against D.J. Reed #4 of the New York Jets during the first half at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 28, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Cedric Tillman may have entered the offseason with the idea that he could be Cleveland's No. 3 wide receiver.

He may still occupy that role, but the path to reach that point is much different than it was than six months ago because of Jerry Jeudy's arrival.

Tillman needs to beat out Elijah Moore for the No. 3 spot while also fending off other players for the final few spots on the 53-man roster.

The Tennessee product chipped in with 224 receiving yards in his rookie season, so there is a foundation to work off.

You could argue that the Browns already know about Tillman's skill set, but he still needs a breakout summer to make sure he does not get lost in the shuffle behind Jamari Thrash and others.

Jamari Thrash

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BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 05: Jamari Thrash #80 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during an OTA offseason workout at their CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 5, 2024 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Jamari Thrash is the player that other wide receivers should be most concerned about in preseason.

The fifth-round pick out of Louisville has some incredible speed and can beat out Tillman, Moore and David Bell if those players do not have great preseasons.

Thrash broke on to the draft scene with an 858-yard season at Louisville that followed up a 1,000-yard season at Georgia State.

Thrash proved he could seamlessly make the transition from the Group of Five to Power Five level last season.

Of course, the move up to the NFL is a far more difficult transition, but it is a similar situation in front of him in terms of proving himself at the next level.

Zak Zinter

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BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 12: Zak Zinter #70 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a mandatory minicamp workout at their CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 12, 2024 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

It is easy to have an hesitant approach when discussing any expectations for Zak Zinter in his rookie season.

Zinter is coming off a serious leg injury that he suffered toward the end of Michigan's national championship season.

The third-round pick is expected to be a starter in the future, but if he performs well in training camp, he could force his way into the starting lineup at some point in 2024.

The Browns have a ton of veterans on the interior. Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller will begin the season as the starters at center and guard.

No one knows how an NFL season will play out, so a breakout August could help Zinter's case if one injury happens on the offensive line, which is something the Browns are all too familiar with.