Cleveland Browns Depth Chart 2025: Latest Updates, Position Battles & Surprise Starters

The Cleveland Browns released their third-preseason unofficial depth chart this week, giving fans the clearest look yet at how GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski envision the 2025 roster. While the order can still change before final cut-downs, several position battles appear all but decided, and a few surprise risers have put real pressure on established veterans. Quarterback: Flacco Still on Top, But Youth Movement Gaining Steam Veteran Joe Flacco remains listed as QB1 after guiding Cleveland to last season’s playoff run, but the margin is thinner than in July. Free-agent addition Kenny Pickett has taken the bulk of second-team snaps and is now the listed No. 2, nudging rookie Dillon Gabriel to third string. The biggest shock is seeing first-round pick Shedeur Sanders hold the “OR” designation with Gabriel for the developmental spot, a sign Stefanski may keep four passers on the 53-man roster. Running Back: Jerome Ford Leads, Dylan Sampson Surges With Nick Chubb still rehabbing his knee, Jerome Ford is penciled in as RB1. Ford’s 6.1 yards per carry this preseason make him a safe bet to start Week 1. Tennessee rookie Dylan Sampson, however, has leap-frogged Pierre Strong Jr. for the No. 2 job after a 72-yard, one-touchdown performance against Detroit. Stefanski praised Sampson’s “burst and blitz pickup,” an encouraging sign for his third-down usage. Wide Receiver: Cooper, Njigba Headline Loaded Room Amari Cooper and second-year standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba headline the outside spots, while Elijah Moore continues to own the slot role. Cedric Tillman’s improved route tree keeps him as the fourth wideout, but rookie burner Xavier Legette is closing fast after logging the fastest GPS speed of camp (22.1 mph). That speed element could earn Legette early-season gadget touches. Tight End: David Njoku’s Backup Battle Veteran Jordan Akins entered camp as the clear TE2, yet fifth-round rookie Erick All has narrowed the gap with strong in-line blocking grades from the coaching staff. The Browns used 12-personnel on 38 percent of snaps last season, so whoever wins the job will see meaningful playing time. Offensive Line: Graham the Rookie Starter First-round pick Mason Graham has already secured the starting left guard spot, pushing Joel Bitonio to his more natural right-guard alignment. Jack Conklin’s return from knee surgery has been seamless, but if Conklin needs rest, Dawand Jones is locked in as swing tackle. Defensive Front: Myles Garrett Gets New Running Mate Free-agent acquisition Chase Young appears fully healthy and is listed opposite Myles Garrett in the base 4-3, relegating Alex Wright to the second unit. Inside, Maliek Collins and rookie run-stuffer T’Vondre Sweat headline a rotation that should improve Cleveland’s 26th-ranked run defense from a year ago. Linebacker: Jerome Baker Makes Immediate Impact Former Dolphins captain Jerome Baker has seized the middle-linebacker gig, flanked by Mohamoud Diabate and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Diabate did leave last week’s practice with a calf tweak, but the team expects him back before the August 31 roster deadline. Secondary: Ward, Newsome, McKinstry Form Elite Trio Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II retain the boundary roles, yet rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry is already challenging for nickel snaps. At safety, Grant Delpit pairs with newcomer Kamren Curl, with veteran Rodney McLeod serving as chess-piece depth. Special Teams: York on the Hot Seat Kicker Cade York has missed three of his last six attempts in preseason action. Undrafted rookie Will Reichard is now listed as an “OR” option, signaling a true camp battle that could come down to the final exhibition game against the Rams. Key Takeaways and Next Steps • Quarterback room remains crowded; keeping four QBs would be unconventional but increasingly plausible. • Dylan Sampson’s emergence provides explosive insurance for Chubb’s uncertain timeline. • Rookie starters Graham (LG) and Sweat (DT) give the trenches a facelift. • Watch the kicker battle: a change could happen if York’s inconsistencies persist. The Browns’ final 53-man roster must be submitted by August 31 at 4 p.m. ET. Another strong preseason showing could cement roles for several rookies, while veterans on the fringe have one more week to state their case. For now, this unofficial depth chart offers the best glimpse at how Cleveland plans to chase an AFC North crown in 2025.