Expectations for Michael Hall Jr., Browns' Top Rookies in Preseason

The 2024 Cleveland Browns roster will not have a massive rookie impact on it.

The Browns had three picks within the first five rounds of the 2024 NFL draft.

The rookie focus will be on second-round pick Michael Hall Jr., third-round pick Zak Zinter and fifth-round selection Jamari Thrash.

Those three players will make up a majority of the rookie production for the AFC North side this season.

Of course, one or two first-year surprises could emerge as the season goes on, but as we enter preseason, that trio will be under the most focus.

Michael Hall Jr.

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BEREA, OHIO - MAY 22: Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during an OTA offseason workout at their CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 22, 2024 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Browns' first draft pick of the 2024 rookie class could play a role in the starting lineup.

Michael Hall Jr. was drafted to provide depth at defensive tackle behind Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris.

He needs to absorb all the information given to him by the veteran defensive tackles in training camp so that he can make as quick of an impact as possible.

Hall needs to be an effective run stopper and get to the quarterback on a few occasions during his preseason appearances.

Evaluating Hall's performance may be tough because he will likely be going up against backup offensive linemen.

But if he can at least control those reps Hall will prove he is ready for some first-team reps in early in the regular season.

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)

Zak Zinter's biggest goal of preseason is to prove he is as close to 100 percent healthy on his comeback from a season-ending leg injury at Michigan.

Zinter may turn into Cleveland's best 2024 draft pick because of the impact he can make on the offensive line.

Zinter was one of the best interior linemen in college football and might have been selected earlier if his injury did not happen.

A spot in the starting lineup may be hard to come by right away since Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are on the roster, but Zinter's goal is to push for a starting position.

If Zinter is good enough, the Browns will find a spot for him to play on the offensive line. He needs to prove to the coaching staff that they have a sixth offensive line starter on the roster throughout his preseason appearances.

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 has the potential to be an X-factor within the Browns offense.

The fifth-round pick out of Louisville should receive plenty of time in preseason to drive home that point.

Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy will see few, if any, snaps in the preseason, so Thrash has a large opportunity in front of him.

Thrash's best-case situation is that an open competition is in place for the No. 3 wide receiver spot alongside Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman and David Bell.

If Thrash is good enough, the Browns could even consider trading Moore to ensure they have three young stars in support of their two star pass catchers.