Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will battle for the starting QB job, but Cleveland Browns HC Todd Monken has plenty of other tough decisions to make with the roster before Week 1.
Todd Monken's first training camp is nearly here, with the Cleveland Browns officially beginning preparations for the 2026 season.
With a QB battle set to take center stage for the second consecutive year, everyone's attention will be on Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders when it all kicks off next week. And yet, across the roster, there is a lot to figure out before Week 1 on Sept. 13.
Before that, Monken and company will have to trim the roster to 53 players by Aug. 30. Here's a first attempt at what the Browns' roster will look like by the end of next month.
Quarterbacks (3): Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Taylen Green
It'll be all eyes on the Browns' QB competition when training camp opens. Unlike last year's competition, though, where all four QBs on the roster had a chance to compete for the starting job during the preseason, this year only Watson and Sanders are considered finalists.
Regardless of who wins the job between them, someone has to go. Watson is immovable, Sanders has the most upside and Green is the only QB Monken had any say in adding to this roster. Dillon Gabriel has always felt like the odd man out.
Running Backs/Full Backs (4): Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders, Michael Burton
The first two guys are obvious. Sanders maybe less so, but he showed some promise in a supporting role late in the season last year when Judkins was injured. Meanwhile, Monken was adamant about having a fullback on this roster, and while there may be other players with versatile skill sets he can potentially use in that role, Burton is a veteran he can turn to immediately.
Tight Ends (4): Harold Fannin Jr., Joe Royer, Jack Stoll, Carsen Ryan
Maybe the first surprise of this projection with four tight ends making the roster. Maybe reaching here a bit, but Monken likes using more exotic personnel groupings with multiple tight ends and multiple running backs. Ryan could offer the versatility to play H-back, fullback or tight end, which is why he makes it.
Wide Receivers (6): Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, Malachi Corley
Entering camp, the first four guys listed truly feel like locks already. That leaves two spots up for grabs. Wallace had a strong spring and can contribute on special teams. Corley can as well, but also provides Monken with a gadget player to utilize in his offense. It should be a fierce competition for those final two spots.
Offensive Line (9): Spencer Fano, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Parker Brailsford, Teven Jenkins, Dawand Jones, Austin Barber, KT Leveston
Four of the five starters are set according to Monken. Of the four, Fano, Howard and Johnson are locked into set roles as well, while Elgton Jenkins waits to find out if he'll play center or guard. That will reveal itself at camp. Versatility is key for the rest of the guys who make the roster.
Defensive Line (9): Jared Verse, Alex Wright, Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, Isaiah McGuire, Logan Fano, Kalia Davis, Adin Huntington, Mike Hall Jr.
It's strange not to see Myles Garrett's name among this group, but a new era begins for the Browns in the trenches, headlined by Verse. The starters next to him are pretty clear. Down the depth chart, some interesting battles will commence at camp, and depth is a concern.
Linebackers (5): Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams, Justin Jefferson, Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson
In previous years, this group has been a weakness, but with Schwesinger and Williams at the top of the depth chart, it feels like more of a strength this season. That said, the rest of the depth chart leaves a lot to be desired. Cleveland would benefit from someone else in this group popping in the preseason.
Cornerbacks (5): Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Mathis Damarri, Myles Harden, D'Angelo Ross
Forecasting that Ward will still be here. He and Campbell could form one of the better cornerback duos in football this year. How the rest of the depth chart shakes out will be fascinating, with Myles Harden slated to be the top nickel CB option. With some better depth at safety, only five corners make the 53.
Safeties (5): Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Daniel Thomas, Chris Edmunds
The first three are virtual locks (assuming Deplit doesn't get traded. Thomas flashed a bit in the spring, and he and Edmonds offer valuable depth.
Specialists (3): Andre Szmyt, Corey Bojorquez, Rex Sunahara
These are self-explanatory. Unless Nik Consantinou or Wes Pahl can usurp Bojorquez for the punting job, these three will be the specialists.
