Inside the Cleveland Browns Depth Chart: A Complete Breakdown of Who’s Fighting for Every Position

The Cleveland Browns depth chart serves as the definitive blueprint of the team’s current roster, illustrating both the established stars and the hungry contenders vying for snaps. From quarterback to the final defensive back, this structure reveals how head coach Sean McDermott plans to deploy his talent week after week. Below is a detailed positional analysis based on the latest organizational chart, practice observations, and league reporting.

Quarterback: The Hierarchy of the Passing Game

At the top of the depth chart sits the franchise cornerstone, expected to call the majority of the plays and bear the burden of the passing attack. The incumbent commands the huddle and will face the challenge of proving the previous year’s success was not a aberration, while also managing a supporting cast that demands consistency.

1. Deshaun Watson: The established starter entering his second full season, tasked with leading a young offense and reducing unforced errors.

2. Joe Flacco: The veteran backup and holder of the pocket-reader mentality, providing a steady hand in relief and crucial short-yardage or red-zone situations.

3. Jacoby Brissett: The situational specialist, brought in for specific packages and third-down scenarios, adding experience when the offense needs a change of pace.

Running Back: The Formation Focal Point

The Browns utilize a multiple-back system that demands versatility, with the starter expected to run between the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield, and block effectively. The depth behind the primary ball-carver is designed to provide fresh legs and complementary skill sets.

1. Kareem Hunt: The featured back and primary workhorse, responsible for setting the tone on opening drives and wearing down opposing defenses.

2. Jerome Ford: The high-energy change-of-pace back, excelling in short-area burst and receiving out of the backfield to keep the offense unpredictable.

3. Khalan Laborn: The power runner and special teams contributor, offering a different look on certain down-and-distance situations.

Wide Receiver: Layered Threats Across the Field

Cleveland’s receiving corps is built to threaten in all three levels of the field, with speed, slot expertise, and red-zone reliability distributed across the group. The depth chart is largely settled, though competition for final roster spots remains intense.

1. Amari Cooper: The No. 1 target and franchise playmaker, expected to face single coverage on a significant portion of snaps.

2. David Njoku: The primary mismatch weapon in the middle of the field, leveraging his size and frame to win contested catches.

3. Ja’Rien Johnson: The boundary stretch threat, using his frame and route precision to attack the outer third of the field.

4. Tre Tucker: The dynamic return man and third-down spark, providing instant playmaking ability when inserted into the rotation.

Tight End: The Pivotal Utility Role

The tight end position in Cleveland is defined by its dual-threat capability, with the starter expected to line up both in the slot and in the backfield on running plays. The depth at this position hinges on the ability to block, catch, and adjust to different defensive looks.

1. Nick Chubb: The lead blocker and occasional pass-catching option, offering short-area power and security in the run game.

2. David Bell: The YAC (yards after catch) specialist, lining up in the slot or on the outside to turn medium completions into large gains.

3. Austin Jones: The pure receiving tight end, brought in for third-down sets and goal-line packages where an extra blocker or target is needed.

Offensive Line: Building the Wall

The success of the offensive scheme relies heavily on the stability and talent of the line, with each position requiring a specific blend of strength, agility, and intelligence to create running lanes and protect the quarterback.

1. Wyatt Teller: The veteran left tackle and anchor of the protection scheme, responsible for handling the edge rusher.

2. Jack Conklin: The star right tackle, using his length and strength to neutralize interior pass rushers.

3. Greg Little: The versatile left guard, capable of switching assignments and providing crucial lateral protection.

4. Wyatt Davis: The elite run-blocker at right guard, creating chaos in the backfield and opening holes for Hunt and Ford.

5. Ethan Pocic: The veteran center, orchestrating the line calls and delivering consistent down-and-out dominance.

Defensive Line: Applying Constant Pressure

The defensive front is tasked with setting the tone of the game, aiming to collapse the pocket, occupy multiple blockers, and create chaos for the opposing quarterback.

1. Denzel Ward: The high-motor edge rusher and run-stuffer, bringing relentless energy and versatility to every snap.

2. Jeremiah Pharms Jr.: The power rusher, using brute strength to collapse the interior and pressure quarterbacks in space.

3. Myles Hartsfield: The technical interior lineman, excelling at two-gap responsibilities and disrupting running lanes.

4. Eli Ankou: The veteran anchor, providing leadership and consistent push in the middle of the defensive line.

Linebacker: The Engine of the Defense

Linebackers in Cleveland are expected to be coverage specialists as well as ferocious tacklers, capable of defending against the run, the pass, and everything in between.

1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: The metronomic leader and coverage LBer, setting the Defense and delivering impactful plays.

2. Anthony Walker Jr.: The physical run-stuffer and downhill hitter, providing a necessary counterbalance to the scheme.

3. Demetric Felton: The versatile linebacker/running back hybrid, offering unique alignment in packages and on special teams.

4. Gregory Rousseau: The edge-setter and pass-rush threat, tasked with containing mobile quarterbacks and applying outside pressure.

Defensive Back: The Last Line of Perimeter Defense

The defensive backfield is critical in today’s pass-heavy league, with the Browns relying on a blend of veteran savvy and play-making athleticism to lock down the secondary.

1. Denzel Ward: The starting safety and playmaker, roaming the deep half and attacking the ball with authority.

2. Greg Newsome II: The elite shutdown corner, matched up against the opponent’s top receiver and playing with aggressive physicality.

3. Ambry Thomas: The press-man corner with high football IQ, capable of both bump-and-run and soft coverage techniques.

4. Jermaine Whitehead: The physical safety and run support anchor, providing a strong center field presence and tackling reliability.