The Browns trading Myles Garrett this week rocked the sports world, and the roster should have plenty of rookie contributors again in 2026.
Quarterback (4)
Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green (R)
Cleveland’s quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will be one of the stories of the summer, but in terms of getting the roster down to 53 players—it’ll depend on how Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green do in July and August. The Browns kept four quarterbacks out of camp last year, so they seem likely to do the same this season with Gabriel being a Round 3 selection in 2025 and Green being drafted in April as a developmental option.
Running back (4)
Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders, Michael Burton
A gruesome ankle/leg injury ended Quinshon Judkins’ rookie season in late December, but he’s already looking healthy and explosive in his return to the field—so we can safely put him atop the depth chart for Week 1. Fellow second-year runners Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders are heavy favorites to make the team (especially Sampson) along with fullback Michael Burton, but keep an eye on undrafted rookie TJ Harden.
Wide receiver (6)
KC Concepcion (R), Denzel Boston (R), Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Cedric Tillman, Tylan Wallace
The Browns are very clearly setting up the offense to have a quarterback inserted into it by 2027, and the receiver group had two significant additions with KC Conception and Denzel Boston joining as top-40 selections—both of whom might immediately jump Jerry Jeudy in the pecking order. It’s interesting that the rookies are very close stylistically to Isaiah Bond and Cedric Tillman behind them on the depth chart, and Tylan Wallace played under new head coach Todd Monken in Baltimore.
Tight end (3)
Harold Perkins Jr., Joe Royer (R), Jack Stoll
Tight end will be extremely competitive behind Harold Fannin Jr. this summer—as the room should consist of two or three others out of Jack Stoll, Joe Royer, Carsen Ryan, and Blake Whiteheart. The team openly admitting tight ends went off the board quicker than expected is notable, but Royer should be safe as a fifth-round pick, and Ryan will try to force the team to keep two rookies; right now, I’d give the edge to Stoll for the third spot.
Offensive tackle (4)
Spencer Fano (R), Tytus Howard, Dawand Jones, Austin Barber (R)
Despite almost a complete revamp this offseason, there isn’t much uncertainty about how the Browns will line up on the offensive line or who will make the team. At tackle, Spencer Fano will start on the blindside with Tytus Howard stationed on the right side, and the team obviously liked Austin Barber enough to take in the third round. However, it’s unfortunate that Dawand Jones doesn’t seem to be getting a chance to start (Howard could kick inside to right guard), as I assume Cleveland is valuing continuity—considering his injury history—rather than getting what might be a group with more upside on the field.
Guard (4)
Zion Johnson, Teven Jenkins, Kendrick Green, Zak Zinter
At guard, the Browns signed Zion Johnson to play left guard and re-signed Teven Jenkins to play right guard—and they likely have direct backups in place with Kendrick Green and Zak Zinter. Again, Tytus Howard could play inside if the team decides to change things up at some point this summer, but that is unlikely; Tyre Phillips is the other guard on the roster right now.
Center (2)
Elgton Jenkins, Parker Brailsford (R)
Maybe the versatility of Elgton Jenkins (who can play any position on the offensive line) and Tytus Howard will lead to more shuffling than expected, but the only question mark at center is between fifth-round rookie Parker Brailsford and 2025 sixth-round pick Luke Wypler. Brailsford should have the advantage as the more recent selection by a new coaching staff, so Wypler could end up being a trade candidate.
Interior defensive line (5)
Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Mike Hall Jr., Kalia Davis, Sam Kamara
The interior of the defensive line won’t benefit from Myles Garrett on the edge anymore, but Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, and Mike Hall Jr. is still a solid trio that will have to step up this year and beyond. Kalia Davis should the next man up after those three, and Sam Kamara will be challenged by Elijah Chatman after he was claimed on waivers from the Giants.
Edge defender (4)
Jared Verse, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, Julian Okwara
I would have almost certainly projected just four edge defenders to make the roster if Myles Garrett wasn’t traded, but for as good as Jared Verse is, the presence of the reigning single-season sack record holder would have allowed for fewer options in the room. Still, the final roster will be tough to crack for undrafted rookies in Logan Fano, Tyreak Sapp, and Khordae Sydnor based on how the numbers play out elsewhere.
Linebacker (5)
Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams, Justin Jefferson (R), Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson
The Browns essentially swapped out Devin Bush for Quincy Williams this offseason to start next to NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, and fifth-round rookie Justin Jefferson has a chance to earn a role in base personnel. For the backups, there is a big group with Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson (who missed all of last season with a torn biceps), and Edefuan Ulofoshio among the contenders to make the team—and Cleveland could end up going with four at linebacker.
Cornerback (5)
Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, D’Angelo Ross
Cleveland has apparently shut down trade talk about Denzel Ward (which is difficult to believe is the case after relenting to trade Myles Garrett), but the position is very thin behind him—especially if Tyson Campbell isn’t better in his first full season with the team after being acquired from the Jaguars last fall. The biggest competition to watch both for roster spots and the starting job is in the slot with Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, and Tre Avery seeking to earn the role.
Safety (4)
Ronnie Hickman Jr., Grant Delpit, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (R), Daniel Thomas
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren being available for the Browns late in the second round was a massive boost to their 2026 draft class, and it might not be long before he forces his way into a rotation with Ronnie Hickman Jr. and Grant Delpit at safety. Daniel Thomas is a key special teamer and isn’t expected to see much action on defense with everyone healthy.
Special teams (3)
Andre Szmyt, Corey Bojorquez, Rex Sunahara
The Browns are set at kicker with Andre Szmyt and long snapper with Rex Sunahara—but they are having the rare three-way punter battle as Corey Bojorquez tries to hold off Nik Constantinou and Wes Pahl. We could see Constantinou stay with the team but not count towards the 53-man roster as their International Pathway Player.