Lions vs. Browns: 5 Cleveland Players Who Need to Have Good Performances

The Browns first preseason game taught us a lot about the direction this team is heading. 

Colt McCoy is the undoubted leader of the offense and the defense has the potential to exceed expectations. But, with the Browns transitioning from one of the oldest teams in the league to one of the youngest, there are a plenty of open roster spots. 

The upcoming game against the Lions will be a great opportunity for many of the young players to showcase what they are capable of. Many of these players had never seen an NFL field before last Saturday's game. Hopefully, all the jitters are now gone and these younger players can take advantage of an inexperienced roster and earn a regular season contract. 

Of course the Cleveland fans would love to see McCoy throw a couple of touchdowns, Joe Haden have an interception and Greg Little make an acrobatic catch. But, I believe that there are five other Browns players that need to have solid performances to earn a roster spot and possibly even playing time during the regular season.

5.) LB Titus Brown

Titus Brown needs to have a good game against the Lions to solidify himself as the top backup linebacker. He is currently in competition with Kaluka Maiava for the top backup role and if Brown keeps making big plays like he did against Green Bay (fumble return for TD), he will definitely make the team.

The question will be whether or not Brown will see playing time during the regular season other than on special teams. I guarantee that if Brown makes another big play, the coaching staff won't hesitate to give him more playing time because this team needs a playmaker at the linebacker position.

4.) CB James Dockery

Dockery, who has been making a name for himself during training camp, saw significant playing time during Saturday's preseason opener. Still listed as the fourth right corner on the team's depth chart, Dockery needs to translate his success on the practice field to a game situation. 

Dockery is currently in competition with Coye Francies and Ramzee Robinson, who had a couple nice plays against the Packers, for the fourth corner roster spot. Whichever of these three players can make a big play or two will be deserving of that last corner spot. 

I personally like Dockery's chances. He has great athletic ability and also saw time will the first-team kickoff coverage unit, which will be vital if he wants to make the team. 

3.) DE Derreck Robinson

With two encroachment penalties against the Packers, Robinson may find himself without a team if he keeps making mental mistakes. He's a big body who can provide Jayme Mitchell a breather or two during the game, but penalties during a preseason game will get you cut quickly in the NFL.

He has the potential to be a solid backup, but if he wants to make the team, he needs to get a sack or two in the next two preseason games. That may be asking a little too much for Robinson (who isn't much of a pass-rusher), but he if he wants an NFL career, he should be able to get past a third-string offensive lineman and make a couple big plays.

2.) WR Jordan Norwood

Norwood did a great job on Saturday night getting open for Seneca Wallace. He ended the game with three receptions for 36 yards.

Deceptively quick with good hands, Norwood needs to get more reps with the first-team offense to showcase his talents and earn a contributing role on the Browns' roster. If he is able to grab a few more catches from Wallace against the Lions, Norwood should solidify his roster spot. 

He also looked good returning punts and on the special teams, which is always a plus for a player on the bubble. 

1.) RB Montario Hardesty

Browns fans have been waiting to see whether or not Hardesty can be the impact runner we were expecting when he was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. 

Still hampered by last season's knee injury, Hardesty finally got on the practice field this week and is hoping to see some touches during Friday night's game against the Lions.

With Brandon Jackson making a few good plays last Saturday, this is the time for Hardesty to show that he is the one who will be splitting carries with Peyton Hillis. If he doesn't play well (or gets injured) against the Lions, I would not be a bit surprised if Tom Heckert decides to cut Hardesty. On the other hand, if he does play well, expect Hardesty to see significant playing time during the season.