Deshaun Watson’s starting role is secure, shifting the spotlight to other high-stakes roster battles. Watch rookie Taylen Green and bubble players fight for their final roster spots in the Cleveland Browns preseason finale against the New England Patriots.
The Cleveland Browns wrap up the preseason against the New England Patriots on Thursday with very little fanfare after Todd Monken officially settled the team's starting QB competition on Monday, anointing Deshaun Watson as QB1.
At one point, Monken seemed poised to treat this matchup as a final dress rehearsal for his starters. After a conversation with Mike Vrabel, he changed his mind, paving the way for a preseason finale centered around guys down the roster trying to make the 53.
Here are five things to watch on Thursday night:
1) Taylen Green
Nothing says peak preseason like a rookie quarterback getting an opportunity to showcase his game. Green has had minimal reps at practice during training camp, although he flashed a few moments during the joint practice with the Buffalo Bills.
This will be his first chance to show what he can do in a game-like setting, though. It should matter too, because while the starting job is settled, Monken still needs to choose a QB3.
Dillon Gabriel has had the inside track for the job throughout camp, but Green is the only signal-caller Monken had any input in bringing in. A strong performance by the sixth-round pick could convince Monken he deserves to make the 53 and Gabriel should be the odd man out.
2) Zak Zinter and KT Leveston
Depth along the o-line is still a bit of a mystery, and Cleveland could use some dependable players behind the starting group. Zinter has struggled to be active for game days in recent years, but has been one of the first guys up at guard with the second-team o-line. He'll look to solidify his spot on the roster, Thursday.
Meanwhile, Leveston has spent camp bouncing around between guard and tackle. For while, it seemed like he had gained some real traction at the former spot, but the last week or so has been spent back at tackle. It's unclear at this stage where Monken prefers to put Leveston. It's also unclear if he's part of the o-line picture at all. This game should provide some clarity.
3) Ahmani Marshall and Raheim Sanders
Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson have been the undeniable RB1 and RB2 of the team. Behind them, Marshall and Sanders have been battling it out for the third-string job. Marshall was first up in the rotation for the team's first preseason game. Sanders was the first man up this past weekend against the Bills. Thursday night should settle the competition.
4) Bottom Of The Depth Chart WRs
Assuming the Browns keep six wide receivers, there is theoretically only one spot left in the room. Luke Floriea has been one of the most consistent receivers at camp, but is limited in terms of his role.
Malachi Corley is versatile and has had a pretty solid camp overall. Gage Larvadain was a feel-good story of camp last year and is in the mix to make the 53 again. There's also Cedric Tillman who may be on the outside looking in, but could make one last case that he belongs.
5) Mike Hall Jr.
Since returning to practice last week, Hall has been featured primarily as a defensive end. Monken wouldn't say it's a permanent thing, but considering the lack of depth at the position, especially with Alex Wright now done for the season, Hall may just have a new role.
It will be worth monitoring where he lines up on Thursday night, but also whether or not anyone else down the depth chart can emerge as a legitimate rotational piece. That includes veteran Derek Barnett, who signed with Cleveland this week.
