The Cleveland Browns took on the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame Game and discovered three players who need to stick around and one that might have to go.
Overcoming a 13-point deficit and a 16-7 halftime deficit, the Cleveland Browns defended the state of Ohio with a 21-16 win over the New York Jets. This is despite the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game going into a blackout moment.
But that's not the main point of the game, nor is a recap necessary. This is about celebrating those who will enter football immortality. Not to mention, this is when the bottom of the roster and the depth pieces are determined.
Most of the players seeing meaningful field time in games over the coming weeks are fighting for their football lives, either on the practice squad or the active roster. There are also those who could be cut yet be claimed almost immediately by another team and have their careers still intact. That is the most exciting part.
What's not exciting is determining who played bad enough to be cut while praising those who did enough to stick around. Still, it's a job that has to be done, so let's take a look at three players from Thursday's game who did enough to keep a locker and one that might need to get ready to receive his walking papers.
Browns player that earned a roster spot No. 3: RB John Kelly Jr.
Kelly carried the ball for much of the first half and, from the outskirts, looked like a player that can stay on the roster if this production keeps up for the rest of the preseason. But the road is stiff, as is the challenge.
Backing up Nick Chubb is not an easy task, considering the role Chubb plays in the Browns' offense and the reliability that side of the ball has on the running game. Still, ten carries for 42 yards is not an alarming stat to have, showing a level of consistency. Having a receiving touchdown doesn't hurt, either.
Demetric Felton may have had the only rushing touchdown for Cleveland, but Kelly showed that he deserves to stick around. It's only a matter of staying consistent. So far, he's shown flashes of it, but it's up to him to build upon it.
No. 2 Browns player that earned a roster spot: WR Cedric Tillman
Granted, Cedric Tillman was the highest draft pick by Cleveland back in April, but that doesn't automatically guarantee anything. Thankfully, the former Tennessee Volunteer showed signs during his limited action that gave the Browns comfort in what they saw.
Two catches for 35 yards don't say much, but it's the preseason, and averaging 17.5 yards per catch will work in the NFL. Granted, he's not going to average that in his career unless something drastic happens, but given what he did in college, it's not out of the question that Cleveland could look to Tillman in the future as a big-play threat.
It's only preseason again. The Browns have more work to do. The good news is they know that Tillman can play, and if they incorporate him more into their offense, his size and speed is enough to give defensive coordinators fits. Talent can be put to good use if appropriately utilized.
No. 3 Browns player that earned a roster spot: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Talk about the star of the show. Not only did DTR throw a fundamental block that allowed Demetric Felton to run into the endzone, but his pass to Austin Watkins was right on point and showed a flash that maybe DTR should be the backup to Deshaun Watson. The UCLA rookie did enough to make a case.
Drafted in the 5th round, DTR's poise in the pocket while showing a willingness to commit to the team through various methods should be enough to convince Kevin Stefanski that he needs more reps. Kellen Mond also threw a touchdown pass, but the interception was an eyebrow-raiser.
Still, one game doesn't tell the full story for those who do good. For those who underperform, it's a question mark. DTR doesn't need to worry about that. He's good to go. Whether or not he is QB2 or QB3 depends on how he plays the rest of the preseason.
No. 1 Browns player that's gotta go: WR Anthony Schwartz
Sorry, but the fumble was quite embarrassing, especially when the Browns have been looking for several ways to get Anthony Schwartz on the field, and somehow, it's just not working out.
Unfortunate, but true. It's the harsh reality of the cutthroat nature of the NFL.
That's not to say that Schwartz can't play. He did catch one pass for seven yards, but when the team constantly tries to get you on the field, and you can't make an impact, a fresh start somewhere else might be best for you.
Schwartz can still make the team if he rebounds, but after the first preseason game, combined with how his career in Cleveland has gone so far, the light isn't as bright as it once was. Let's see if he can rebound from this not-so-good first act of 2023.