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Who are you watching to see whose bubble might burst?

I'll start with one on each side of the ball.

Derrick Willies

I like the guy. But he's been wildly non-existent - if not showing the dropsies - I think Ratley sticks and Willies is out. He may be safe until Callaway returns...but if a legit returner/WR comes available...I dunno. (I don't think that legit returner/WR is on our roster today.)

Tevin Coley

Lawrence is looking like a beast and Ekuale has been getting the love. I think the 3rd spot - if there is such a thing - comes down to Davis and Coley.

I actually feel the inverse between Willies and Ratley. Ratley has been hurt too much lately and Willies has been available and getting work.

I'll be looking at the WRs, CBs, and TEs.

I'm not sure that the deep depth at any other position really has a shot at anything.

Beyond that: kicking & punting.

I am kind of with you on Willies.

My surprise cut is Colquitt. Not saying I agree with it, or would do it if I had the choice. Just a funny feeling.

I thought Willies played much better this past game. I think Strong looked good, too.

Willie, I think we go youth in the kicking game. The scot and siebert.

Good to hear about Willies and Strong. I did not get a chance to watch the game. Strong has looked good in the other games, IMO. Willies not so much. So, good to hear he put together a good game.

Looks like it was cut off. What does he have for QB, RB and P?

I thought the same. Tap the link. Gilbert is the backup, with Stanton 3rd.

I’d personally cut Stanton, Redwine, Harris

Stanton has looked horrible.

Come on Dorsey, reach down and grab em and go with the 3 young QB's!

He's been horrible his whole career.

Redwine was playing with the first team special teams against the Buccaneers.

Yes i know he will make the team, i’m just saying that I wouldn’t keep him ... of course, what do i know compared to the coaches

Agree with you here. I think Ratley is the safer bet to make the team over Willies.

Somewhat based on Freddie's comments about Ratley not playing in the Bucs game via Zac Jackson....

Damion Ratley did not play. What that means for his chances of making the team, well, we don’t know. Kitchens said it “wasn’t worth the risk,” with Ratley having participated in just three practices after suffering a hamstring injury 30 days ago on the first day of camp. Maybe the Browns already believe (or know) he’ll be on the team.

It would not surprise me if we only keep 5 LB. We're a 4-3 team that is going to play a lot of 4-2. I just can't see keeping 7 LB. Of course, he has Avery under LB, when all he has played this year is DL. If we move Avery to DL, he still shows 6 LB, which I think still might be one too heavy.

If we move Avery to DL, then he shows us with 10 DL, and that just isn't going to happen. I suspect that we'll trade a DL before rosters finalize. Maybe 2. We could/should also keep 9 OL, IMHO. With as many 2 TE packages as we played last year, I could also see 4 TE. (1 or 2 of whom are not currently on the team) I cannot see us keeping 3 TE and 3 RB, and no FB.

Also, even though we have heard the Browns talk up Stanton, it would not shock he to see the Browns go with Baker and Gilbert at QB, with Blough (sp) on the Practice Squad.

Yeah, but he's looking more horrible than that!

Rumor has it that Josh Doctson could be had for a bag of chips right now.

Same with Laquon Treadwell

Why do we want those guys?

I'll keep Ratley over either one of them.

I posted the below in the Preaseason thread, but thought it was applicable here as well:

This quote is from an recent article by Nate Ulrich:



https://www.ohio.com/sports/20190827/bro...ighting-for-job

So whatever TE can prove to be the best 'FB' among the TEs not named Njoku, will have the upper hand in making the roster. Not sure who the front runner is but I'm guessing we may see alot of TE in the fullback position tomorrow night.

I'm still leaning towards Demetrius Harris making this roster, so I think it will come down to DeValve, Brown, and Gathers. Has anyone noticed Brown and Gathers playing FB in the preaseason games or have noticed a TC recap from a beat writer mentioning this?

If I had to speculate today (only because I've seen/read DeValve's name associated with FB in training camp) before the final game I'd suspect the depth would be (1) Njoku, (2) Harris, and (3) DeValve.

We'll see.
______________

J/c

I’d expect those three as well, though Harris wouldn’t make my roster haha. Gathers also won’ be cut because he’s suspended for week 1

This is why its so weird to me that we cut Orson Charles.

He could block, and has experience at TE.

Analysis: Receiver spots on line in finale vs. Lions

https://www.brownszone.com/2019/08/28/analysis-receiver-spots-on-line-in-finale-vs-lions/

Just a few weeks ago, the receiving corps looked deeper than a conversation between philosophers. The assumption was at least a couple of the wideouts cut by the Browns would quickly find homes on other teams.

The position doesn’t look nearly as strong heading into the preseason finale Thursday night against the Lions and with cuts to quickly follow. The Browns must get down to 53 players by Saturday afternoon at 4.

“Well, they’re definitely going to get work and see if they can perform better than they did last week,” coach Freddie Kitchens said Tuesday of the receivers.

Jaelen Strong was cut Monday in a bit of a surprise. But he struggled Friday in a 13-12 loss at Tampa Bay, as did Derrick Willies and Rashard Higgins.

Higgins is a lock to make the team, along with starters Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Antonio Callaway would join them but was suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Willies, Damion Ratley, Braxton Miller, Ishmael Hyman, Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi and Dorian Baker are the rest of the group. They’re competing for two or three spots, depending on if the Browns keep five or six wideouts.

Ratley (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) hasn’t played in the preseason because of a hamstring injury — Kitchens said he’d play vs. the Lions — but still might have the inside track on one of the spots. He was a sixth-round pick last year and had 13 catches for 144 yards in 13 games.

At 6-4, 207 pounds, Willies has size that would be unique for the Browns at the position. He had what looked like a breakout game last year against the Ravens before breaking a collarbone in practice. He’s alternated between flashing and faltering during training camp and the preseason, failing to show the consistency Kitchens demands.

Miller (6-2, 215) is the wild card. The former Ohio State quarterback signed last week and quickly got the attention of the front office and coaching staff.

“He’s picking up the offense, so that tells you a little bit about his learning ability and we’ll see if we can put him in some positions to make some plays Thursday night,” Kitchens said. “He’s doing well, though.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play Thursday.”

Hyman, Sheehy-Guiseppi and Baker are long shots but could steal a job with a big finale.

Here are four other positions to watch:

KICKER

The team had a decision to make with how to handle the kicking chores in the finale.

After rookie Austin Seibert got all the kicks against the Buccaneers and went 4-for-4 on field goals, it would be fair to give Greg Joseph the chance to match him. But Seibert had struggled severely before the perfect night in Tampa, so the Browns may want to see if he can duplicate the performance before handing him the job.

Joseph was better than Seibert for much of camp but missed two kicks in the preseason and has slumped in practice. If Seibert were to flop against the Lions, general manager John Dorsey may be forced to find a kicker elsewhere.

TIGHT END

The Browns need three tight ends. Two have stood out — David Njoku and Demetrius Harris.

Seth DeValve, in his fourth season, has crossed over to fullback in an attempt to save his job after missing three weeks with a concussion. He’s had several drops in limited snaps and is squarely on the bubble.

Rico Gathers was a late-comer to camp and would be suspended for the opener for violating the substance abuse policy. Pharaoh Brown has struggled with drops, and undrafted rookie Stephen Carlson doesn’t seem ready.

DeValve may get the spot by default, but more likely his replacement is claimed off waivers.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

There’s no shortage of talent here.

Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi are locked in as starters, and Devaroe Lawrence has seemingly secured a roster spot with a fantastic camp and three sacks in the preseason.

Trevon Coley started 29 games over the last two years but is more of a run stopper than pass rusher. He’s fighting with Carl Davis, Daniel Ekuale and Brian Price for what is probably one spot.

CORNERBACK

The question is how many will be kept. If the Browns take one less at receiver or go without a fullback, that could open a spot for a deserving cornerback.

Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, Greedy Williams and TJ Carrie are locks. Phillip Gaines probably is, too, as he’s the second-best nickelback behind Carrie, and the other three locks can’t play in the slot.

Tavierre Thomas is a special teams ace, rookie Donnie Lewis Jr. is a draft pick and Lenzy Pipkins has shown up during camp. If the Browns go with six corners, the choice would come from that trio.

What is the downside with Gillan? Is it that we're not sure that he can nail kicks inside the 20? He hasn't shown that, and in fact, he has stated that is the primary focus of all his off-season work.

What you can teach: Directional punting

What you can't teach: LEG!

It's quite possible Jaime can soon be considered "generational talent" in that department. He can kick a ball over 60 yards -- with big time "air". In fact, in his recent outing, a game in which he did all the punting, he basically set the tone for the game, or at least "the game of real estate". His first three punts averaged a hair under 50yds, none were returned, and the position was 18 yd line, 15 yd line and 18 yard line. Our defense was playing well and our less than stellar offense only needed to convert a first down or two for a FG try. That's exactly what you want from your punter.

I don't see how any downside can possibly outweigh the upside of his talent. And contract for that matter, I mean, when we start facing the music next year - it will matter.

Wild cards: The legend of "The Scottish Hammer", the instant fan favorite player (he already is), his size, his athleticism... But most of all, he'll be the guy lining up for a 65 yard FG to win or send a game to OT. Seibert can't make them, but he (quite possibly) can.

Goodbye Mr Colquitt, we wish you the best, thanks for the memories - you're a true professional.

I would have done this sooner and got an asset, albeit only a 5th or 6th, in return.

If you don't do it now, we'll only ever see him again from across the field on our opponents bench, with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder for the next 15 years.

I agree ... I liken it to a pitcher with a great arm who needs some fine tuning.

However, we may also be concerned about holding on FGs/XPs

I don't think Kitchens is lol


https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2019/8/19/...chens-not-happy

Rugby Life = Thug Life

I can't help but root for the guy.

Hurricane Dorian is growing stronger and about to make landfall..... jus' sayin' .... There might be some synchronicity going on here.

Yep. That was the only of his six punts returned for more than 5yds - so he took matters into his own hands. Also, that's the way I want to see my punter make tackles, nice form.

This is clearly Freddies team ... everyone knows who the boss is and where the buck stops ... the mans a LEADER!!!

FREDDIE IS READY ..

j/c:

I am rooting for Colquitt to be our punter. I trust him.

Trust is a big thing - I get it. I'm happy that we have stiff competition and basically can't get hurt with either choice. I know it's just "punter", but this scenario is basically uncharted territory for the Browns!

Colquitt is very good. I also disagree w/Freddie about the holding thing. I think it is very important.

I get that Hammer is a rock star and has a huge leg, but I don't want to lose games due to mistakes from our punter and/or holder.

Of course, me wanting Colquittt to be the guy is probably the kiss of death for him. LOL

j/c

If I were Corbett or one of the backup OL, I’d be a little weary right about now

There are things that we know Colquitt can do that are still questions about Gillen.

We know Colquitt can hold
We know he can get a kick off when his heels up against the back of the endzone
We know he can be consistent under the pressure of a real NFL game.

At this point in time, we don't know that Gillen can do any of those things, all of which I think are important. To be fair, we don't know that he cannot. Is the occasional 70 yard punt worth the risk?

If it were only that simple? No, the occasional 70 yard punt would not be worth the risk.

Other factors to consider:

The cap savings we would get from cutting Britton Colquitt ($2.7M in 2019 and $2.8M in 2020)

https://overthecap.com/player/britton-colquitt/2180/

Jamie Gillan being under contract for one extra year (plus as an exclusive rights free agent the year after that)

https://overthecap.com/player/jamie-gillan/8201/

I would probably keep Colquitt because he is a known entity and that might be what we need right now over anything else but it's a more complex issue than you are making it seem like.

I'm rooting that we only punt once a game!