5 Cleveland Browns Veterans Now on Roster Bubble Following Draft

The NFL draft means teams get to add an infusion of new, young talent to their rosters. However, this sometimes comes at the expense of established veterans. Each rookie often represents a threat to the job of a starter at that given position, no matter the round that rookie was drafted.

The Cleveland Browns added 12 players in the 2015 NFL draft, which almost certainly means there are veterans who will be dropping off the roster. Here are five Browns who have now found themselves on the roster bubble since the draft has wrapped.

WR Travis Benjamin

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

With the additions of wide receiver Vince Mayle and running back Duke Johnson via this year's draft, the Browns' receiving corp could be poised for a shakeup. While Mayle may take some time before he's an impact player on the field, Johnson appears set to be a productive player as both a rusher and receiver. 

This does not bode well for veteran receiver Travis Benjamin, whom the Browns selected in Round 4 of the 2012 NFL draft. On his career, Benjamin has caught just 41 of the 96 passes thrown his way for 717 yards and five scores. He caught just 18 passes on 46 targets last year, for 314 yards and three scores. He's clearly not a reliable target for any quarterback he's worked with.

Benjamin's skills as a punt and kick returner might not be enough to save his roster spot this year. Johnson can easily take over his receiving targets while Mayle should occupy enough space on the roster to edge Benjamin off the team unless he can prove his value during training camp this summer

DT Ishmaa'ily Kitchen

David Richard/Associated Press

The Browns made two additions to the defensive line in the 2015 draft, taking nose tackle Danny Shelton in Round 1 and defensive tackle Xavier Cooper in Round 3. The pair join Phil Taylor, veteran free-agent signing Randy Starks and Ishmaai'ly Kitchen as the Browns' key defensive tackles.

Though the Browns feature a rotational defensive line, it's not likely all of these tackles are destined for the 53-man roster. And as of now, Kitchen seems like he's the one on the outside looking in.

Kitchen, with the Browns since 2012, has recorded just three starts in his career, all of which came in 2014. He has totaled just 78 career tackles and has no fumbles forced or recovered, or sacks. In three seasons, Kitchen has been given ample time to develop and improve as a player, but he hasn't performed better than a backup.

Given how important improving the Browns defensive line is to the team this year, they will need to cut players who cannot make the team better. For now, it appears Kitchen is the defensive tackle in greatest danger of losing his roster spot.

TE Jim Dray

David Richard/Associated Press

Heading into the 2015 offseason, the Browns appeared in bad shape at the tight end position. After losing Jordan Cameron in free agency, there were only two on the roster—Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge—until the Browns signed free agent Rob Housler in April.

But the Browns brought in two in the draft, one a hybrid tight end-fullback-H-back in Malcolm Johnson and a true tight end in Randall Telfer. Suddenly, Dray's and Barnidge's jobs seem far less secure.

Dray caught 17 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown in 2014, outperforming Barnidge, who also missed time with broken ribs. But Barnidge has a better shot to stick on the roster, given the praise doled out continuously by head coach Mike Pettine, who first called out the tight end for his impressive work as both a blocker and receiver back in September.

Dray's roster spot isn't in imminent danger, as Telfer is working his way back from an ankle injury that could have him sidelined until training camp. But if Telfer emerges as a high-upside receiving and blocking talent, that could push him ahead of Dray on the depth chart to the point that Dray could be a late-summer roster cut.

RB Shaun Draughn

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Browns brought in running back Shaun Draughn for the final four games of the 2014 season to assist on special teams. He ultimately returned three kicks for 58 yards. He did not record a single carry. However, the Browns chose to bring him back on a new contract, inking him to a one-year deal worth $660,000 in March.

It seemed as though Draughn would be destined to reprise his role as a returner this year and even potentially get a few carries. But the drafting of Miami's Duke Johnson could cut into both of those duties. Cornerback Charles Gaines, drafted by the Browns in Round 6, also could get some work as a returner as well.

That means that Draughn's services are no longer needed in Cleveland, putting him squarely on the roster bubble.

OL Nick McDonald

David Richard/Associated Press

When Browns starting center Alex Mack suffered a broken leg in the middle of the 2014 season, reserve Nick McDonald was the first player called upon to replace him.

Things did not go so well, with McDonald giving up three sacks, two quarterback hits and 10 hurries in his time as starter. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the team's worst run-blocker and pass-protector on the season. He was eventually replaced by Ryan Seymour.

With the Browns selecting Cam Erving with their second of two picks in Round 1 of the 2015 draft, McDonald may not have much time left with the team. Though Erving will be tapped to play either right tackle or right guard, he also has significant experience playing the center position as well. That positional versatility is partially what drew the Browns' attention and is also why McDonald is on the roster bubble.

Erving can start at any position and serve as a primary backup for Mack. Seymour should remain on the roster because he also provides valuable depth on the line at multiple positions and has played well. But McDonald was mostly a disappointment when he played in 2014, making him the lineman most at risk of release.