Undrafted standout Easton Mascarenas-Arnold is seizing first-team reps at training camp, transforming a roster-bubble opportunity into a vital role within Cleveland’s defensive unit this preseason.
Training camp is made for underdog stories. The Cleveland Browns have several of those unfolding at the moment, and one is looking to write an eventful second chapter.
Young linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold has been hard to miss at Browns camp this year. With 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger sidelined due to an unknown injury, Mascarenas-Arnold has been holding down his spot on the first-team defense next to Quincy Williams.
In a room that seems short on depth, the 23-year-old is making the most of the opportunity ahead of his second season with the franchise.
"Getting a lot more reps this year, which I'm overly thankful for. Thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for that," said Mascarenas-Arnold. "But just making the most out of my opportunities and making sure that when they do call my name, that I go in there and I perform like they expect of me and as I expect of myself."
Mascarenas-Arnold joined the Browns last April as an undrafted rookie out of USC. It's the type of outcome that would leave some players discouraged, but not him.
Going undrafted didn't matter to Mascarenas-Arnold. He just wanted a chance. And he made the most of it, earning a spot on the Browns' 53-man roster last summer. His journey has left him with a mighty large chip on his shoulder.
"Being undrafted, you wouldn't get the glamor that most people get," he explained. "Don't want to say it's unfair for an undrafted guy because once you make it, you make it. It doesn't matter whether you're first pick or the last pick or undrafted. But I would just say just working hard is the way to go, especially as an undrafted guy and really just earning your stripes more than being given."
Mascarenas-Arnold says he chose Cleveland last summer over other interested teams after confiding in the people closest to him. Between his family and his agent, he determined the Browns were the best fit.
Still, entering the league as an undrafted player can feel a bit like drinking water from a fire hose. You're constantly on the roster bubble, battling for your job, trying to get acclimated to the league, you're team, you're city.
"I didn't really know a lot about the NFL and the process and all that," he admitted. "And I really just trusted those that were in my corner. And when the opportunity arose, I just took advantage of it, God willing. So it's trust."
One year later, he looks comfortable as ever, running around making plays at training camp as part of the team's first-team defense at training camp. That's on top of his role as a special-teamer.
On the team's first unofficial depth chart ahead of Cleveland's preseason opener with the Chicago Bears, he was listed as the third starting linebacker alongside Schwesinger and veteran Quincy Williams.
It helps that he's developed a tight bond with both, but especially Schwesinger who he entered the league with last year.
"Man, our relationship started last year," Mascarenas-Arnold shated. "We knew of each other, but we didn't know each other. We had just played each other in college. And I would say it took about a week, week and a half. It's hard not to be friends with the guy you're in the same room with. Ater about a week and a half, we became damn near brothers at this point."
Beyond the relationship, though, he noticed certain habits from the second-round pick that he's tried to follow.
"Having somebody like Carson who's so cerebral and studies the ins and outs of the game, especially with being a rookie, his preparation is not anything like a rookie or anything like I've seen," ha said. "So having somebody that smart and that talented is not only helpful for me, but also inspiring to like, shoot, if he's going to prepare like that, why should I not?"
Then there's Williams, a seasoned veteran who brings an infectious energy to the defense and the Browns locker room. He's quickly rubbed off on Mascarenas-Arnold and the entire linebacker group.
"It's always good having an experienced, seasoned vet, especially one that was All-Pro not too long ago," said Mascarenas-Arnold. So having somebody that knows how the league works, somebody that is excelling at what he does and what I'm trying to become one day, it's always good to have those kind of people in, especially just the whole room in general."
So, with new bonds and old ones, year of experience under his belt and plenty of opportunity at his feet, what will year two of this underdog story look like?
"I think year one is kind of getting your feet in the water, but the jump from year one to year two is specifically on [special] teams, I think you should see a noticeable difference in that. So that's one of my personal goals is not only be a good teamer, but be an elite one this year and make a lot of plays there.
"And shoot whatever role I do end up having on the defensive side of the ball, owning that and just being there for my teammates and doing my job first and foremost, but make as many plays for my teammates as well."
His second chapter begins in the team's preseason opener, Saturday.
