There’re a few surprises on the Browns 2026 53-man roster, but it’s pretty much what I expected. I’ve been trying to tell people QB Tylan Green was going to make the roster and Thursday night’s game confirmed it. He’s raw, but super athletic and no he’s not changing positions. The surprise in the QB room was one was placed on IR, unfortunately it wasn’t the one we were hoping for. Dillon Gabriel played very good Thursday night but apparently hurt his back. Before anyone suggests there’s some hanky panky going on, the Browns team doctor has to certify the injury with the league. Gabriel is designated to return in four weeks and knowing Deshaun Watson’s injury history, that sounds about right.
Two players who the fans have not seen practice all training camp made the roster, which is odd. Fullback Michael Burton and defensive tackle Kalia Davis. Head coach Todd Monken loves to use a fullback in the offense and Burton is a special team’s player. I thought Davis was a nice signing when it happened, but he’s a mystery at this point. Many fans are upset that WR Luke Floriea didn’t make the roster. It’s simple, he doesn’t play special teams, Malachi Corley does. The team is pretty confident he’ll make the practice squad. The running back room and the offensive line room were pretty much set weeks ago.
On defense, the team went with nine defensive linemen, usually they go with ten, but both Michael Hall and Adin Huntington can play DE & DT. I really thought Nathanel Watson would make the roster at LB, but Easton Mascarenas-Arnold played better. The safety and cornerback room was settled when the Browns claimed Mekhi Blackman off waivers. He’s played 75% of his snaps on the outside, great depth. I was really glad to see Michael Coats make the roster; he gets better with every snap.
As for special teams, I’m really glad Cory Bojorquez bounced back with a great performance on Thursday night. Some in the front office were a little concerned. Waiver claims will start at 1:00pm EST today, a little less than an hour of this writing. The players can choose who to sign with, so the Browns probably already have deals in place with the players they want on the practice squad. Stay Safe and GO Browns.