Embracing the 53

The Browns and their fans found out Tuesday there is a price to pay when the talent quotient of the team becomes so strong, trims to the final 53-player roster become that much more difficult.

The club either released or waived a handful of players who contributed nicely during the exhibition season and otherwise would have either been strongly considered for the final roster or make it outright. And that is the best sign of all.

It has taken General Manager Andrew Berry less than two years to almost totally Cinderella this franchise from one of the saddest to one of the strongest, making it extremely difficult for free agents to crash through.

That, in large part, is because every one of the GM's 15 draft selections the last two seasons landed on the first iteration of the 53-man roster, including eight in the 2021 class. Prejudicial? Of course. But that's also his prerogative.

"Roster decisions are always a combination between the front office and coaching staff making sure it's not just the most talented 53, but the right 53 to serve the different roles we need on offense, defense and the kicking teams throughout the season," Berry said. 

To that end, the squad, for the time being because roster massaging is quite the norm at this time of the season, is comprised of 25 men on offense, 25 on defense and three special teamers. That balance very well could change by as early as Thursday when waiver claims activity is taken into account.

There were very few surprises among the 28 casualties. Twenty-one were flat out waived; the contracts of four others were terminated; offensive linemen Greg Senat and Drew Forbes were placed on reserve/injured; and wide receiver Damion Davis was placed on reserve/suspended.

Among the surprises were wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, defensive end Joe Jackson and linebacker Elijah Lee. Hodge's release was an obvious nod to the glut in the wide receivers room. Jackson was the best defensive end in the exhibitions and Lee was clearly the best linebacker.

As it stands now, the roster lists just three defensive ends -- Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney and Takkarist McKinley, the latter just now trying to get in shape after missing a huge chunk of training camp with personal issues. They need a fourth on the edge.

Seven linebackers are listed, but that is deceiving. It's actually five with Jacobs Phillips slated for IR with a torn biceps muscle and rookie Tony Fields II just now returning after missing all of training camp with a foot injury. He's also a candidate for IR.

Sticking with the defense, the secondary population of 10 breaks down to six cornerbacks and four safeties, eight of whom are healthy and ready to go. Corner Greedy Williams has trouble getting and then staying healthy. Ditto for safety Grant Delpit.

Perhaps the biggest surprise after the big roster purge from a positive standpoint overall is the seemingly-sudden emergence of defensive tackle Malik McDowell, who hasn't played a National Football League game since he was drafted by Seattle four years ago. He has been hampered by numerous off-the-field problems.

Odds on McDowell making it at the beginning of camp ranged anywhere from "are you kidding?" to "absolutely no chance." Two standout games in the last two weeks apparently sold Berry on wanting to see more. 

On offense, no big surprises outside of Hodge. But don't be surprised if Berry will on the lookout for a wideout to replace him. Breshad Perriman, who stood out for the Browns in 2018, was cut the other day by Detroit and is a possibility.

The 10-man offensive line room is fairly solid on the bench from a versatility standpoint. And head coach Kevin Stefanski is apparently satisfied with three tight ends unless, of course, one pops up on waivers he can't resist. 

And with the addition of rookie Demetric Felton, the running backs room might be the strongest and most dynamic this franchise has had since can't remember when.

Once everything clears from a roster standpoint, the 53-man roster for the season opener in Kansas City a week from Sunday very well will arguably be the strongest team to represent Cleveland in at least a generation.