BEREA — The Browns entering the season with one of the NFL’s youngest rosters shouldn’t surprise anyone. Since the day after last season ended, owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Andrew Berry have said repeatedly that was the plan for this season, the second in a roster reconstruction that focused on a youth movement.
After NFL rosters were cut to 53 on Sunday night, the Dolphins had the youngest roster at 25.3 years old, according to the Palm Beach Post. The Browns were second at 25.9. The numbers continue to fluctuate due to waiver claims and roster tweaking, but the Browns have 10 rookies and 12 second-year players.
“Being young, that’s actually something we’re really proud of and excited about,” assistant general manager/vice president of football operations Catherine Hickman said Wednesday. “We want to be a team that builds through the draft and then works really hard to develop our players.
“But we also acknowledge that building a roster involves adding veteran presence as well, both from a performance standpoint but also mentorship. As we think about it holistically, we want to be as complete as we can be.”
Since the initial 53-man roster was set, the Browns claimed rookie cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. and signed 26-year-old cornerback Noah Igbinoghene and 27-year-old defensive end Sam Williams.
Todd Monken confident Deshaun Watson can generate the explosive plays necessary to succeed
“Ultimately, whether it’s a rookie, a first- or second-year player, or a veteran player, we’re just looking for players that can help us win and play well, and do they still have a developmental trait?” coach Todd Monken said. “Is there something about them that we think can help us this year and moving forward?”
In addition to Pride and Igbinoghene, Mekhi Blackmon, 27, was claimed off waivers last Thursday. That’s three cornerbacks added to Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell and Myles Harden in the last week.
The season starts Sept. 13 in Jacksonville.
“I’m excited, because we didn’t have them,” Monken said. “There’s a reason why we signed them to come here, because we needed them, we needed the depth there. That’s just been a tough position in terms of guys getting nicked up, so I’m excited because obviously we had a deficit there and needed to get some guys in that we think can help us and develop.”
“Those are just players that come in and give us flexibility, give us some veteran presence as well, experience,” Hickman said. “That’s just more help for our defense, and it gives flexibility and options to our coaching staff.”
Notes: CB Noah Igbinoghene, DE Sam Williams added as roster shuffling continues
Williams joined Jared Verse, Isaiah McGuire and Derek Barnett at end. Tackle Mike Hall Jr. can also play end.
“We have a great blend of youth and experience there, so we’re excited about that,” Hickman said. “Sam is a physical player, a competitive player, plays with a high motor and will be able to contribute to both phases. Really someone we felt was a really good fit in terms of our DNA on defense, and we’re looking forward to how he adds to the room.”
NEVER SAY NEVER
Receiver Luke Floriea wasn’t re-signed to the practice squad after being cut Sunday, but Hickman left open the door for a potential return in the future. Floriea, who went to Mentor High School and Kent State, had three touchdown catches in the preseason.
“Luke, to your point, had a great training camp,” Hickman said. “He’s given us everything he’s had, played really well.
“While I’m not going to get into any specific player decisions, when we do put the roster together there are so many layers and different components that come with building the 53-man roster and the practice squad. So that’s where it ended, but it doesn’t mean we couldn’t bring him back in the future. That’s also a possibility.”
EXTRA LEG
Veteran incumbent Corey Bojorquez won the punting job, but undrafted rookie Wes Pahl was re-signed to the practice squad.
“I just think we saw a lot of upside to the player,” Monken said. “Maybe not the consistency at this point in his career, but I think there’s enough there to at least warrant keeping him around and seeing where it goes from there.”
GET READY
Monken said he’d know exactly where his team stood from a conditioning standpoint after Wednesday’s practice.
“We’re in full pads, and it’s going to feel like it’s 95. So we’ll find out where we’re at,” he said.
EXTRA POINTS
Receiver Isaiah Bond remained in the concussion protocol and has yet to practice since the Bills game Aug. 22.
** Campbell watched practice, while Verse and Hall returned after watching Tuesday.
** The players will be off from Thursday afternoon through Sunday. The coaches get a shorter break — all day Saturday and Sunday morning.
“I’ll be here Saturday morning,” Monken said. “I like college football, so I’ll be watching college football, bet a horse race or two, try to get my mind off of it and get away a little bit. But you can never really get away, because you’ve got to prep and be ready.”
