The Cleveland Browns’ preseason has officially concluded, and as the men in orange and brown prepare for the start of the NFL regular season in their quest for the coveted Lombardi Trophy, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned about this team during their three preseason games. Although the team lost all three of their preseason matchups, these games still provided valuable insights that can indicate what this team might look like in the 2024 season. Today, I’ll break down my three biggest takeaways and discuss what I’ve learned about this Cleveland Browns team before they kick off their 2024 season on September 8th at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON DESERVES A SPOT ON THE 53-MAN ROSTER

Coming into the preseason—and even as recently as last week, when rumors of a trade were swirling—second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was not a lock to make the Browns’ active roster. However, his performance in the last game, combined with his overall preseason showing, has convinced me that DTR has the talent to warrant a spot on the roster. The Browns should not risk cutting or trading him at this point. While Dorian still has areas to improve, he has already made strides in pushing the ball downfield and making deeper reads, showcasing growth in his game after just one year in the league. I believe Dorian Thompson-Robinson has the potential to develop into something special, and I want to see him continue that development in Cleveland.

SIAKI IKA NEEDS TO BE CUT

Siaki Ika is not contributing enough to justify his spot on this deeply talented roster. Yes, he was a 3rd-round pick just a year ago, but sometimes it’s okay to cut your losses, and in this case, it’s time. Every time Ika takes the field, the interior of the defensive line suffers, both in run defense and pass defense. Ika has struggled to hold his own, not just against first and second-string offensive linemen, but even against those playing at the tail end of these preseason games—players who are likely to be cut by their teams as well.

JAMARI THRASH DESERVES A ROLE ON THIS TEAM

Rookie wide receiver Jamari Thrash, a 5th-round pick for the Cleveland Browns, has been impressive throughout the preseason. In the Browns’ final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thrash hauled in 4 out of his 6 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown early in the second quarter. Thrash has consistently impressed and deserves a role on this team, even if it’s a small one. He should easily make the 53-man roster as the Browns continue to develop him, much like Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Despite their 0-3 record in the preseason, the Browns seem poised to make a solid run during the 2024 NFL season, with many returning players and several worthwhile additions from the draft and NFL free agency. We have to remember what we saw in the NFL preseason is only a fraction of what these teams will truly look like, and I think I speak for all NFL fans when I say I’m more than ready for the regular season to begin.