With the start of Browns training camp a little over a week away, there are still roster positions yet to be decided. In the past, Browns teams went into training camp with a bevy of roster positions up for grabs. This year the team returns a vast majority of a roster that produced eleven wins in 2023. Here are four key position battles for 2024.

Right Tackle/Swing Tackle. In my last article, check it out HERE, I discussed this position in depth. Bottom line, if Jack Conklin is healthy, he starts, if not, it will be Dawand Jones. If Jones starts, then the Browns will have to find a swing tackle better then James Hudson. It may come down to German Ifedi or Hakeem Adeniji. I hope to see the Browns use Jones at left tackle during camp. It would help his transition as a swing tackle and could provide the team with a replacement for left tackle Jedrick Wills in 2025.

Back-up Wide Receiver. More specifically, #6 wide receiver. The top five are Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, David Bell and Cedric Tillman. Most are assuming the last wide receiver roster spot will go to draft pick James Thrash. However, with the new NFL kickoff rules, another option would be James Proche. Under the new rules, teams can have two returners lined up on kickoffs. For the Browns, one will be running back Nyheim Hines, who is an excellent kick returner. I’m curious who else will be used as a returner in training camp, Thrash, Tillman or Proche.

Number Two Defensive Tackle. Dalvin Tomlinson will be one starting defensive tackle, but who lines up next to him? The smart money is on newly signed Quinton Jefferson. If opposing teams run the ball well against the Browns like they did last year, it could be Siaki Ika. His rookie season was average at best when he played, but rookie defensive linemen take longer to develop in the NFL. He showed up for OTA’s in great shape and will benefit from having one training camp with DC Jim Schwartz under his belt. On passing downs it will be a rotation of Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst and rookie Michael Hall. Za’Darius Smith and Alex Wright can also play inside.

Number Three Linebacker. Free agent Jordan Hicks was brought in to run the defensive having played for Schwartz in Philadelphia. The other starter will be Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Because Schwartz plays two linebackers and three safeties, the number three linebacker will be used in special alinements. I’m really interested in how the Browns use newly signed linebacker Devan Bush who’s listed as an inside linebacker. If Bush can’t handle the job, keep an eye on free agent Zach Cunningham who played for Tennessee when both Scwartz and special consultant Mike Vrabel were there.

Training camp is always a time to experiment practicing players at different positions for roster depth. Guard/center Michael Dunn has made this team every year because of is offensive line versatility. I always watch to see where these experiments end up.