As the saying goes, out with the old and in with the new.
The NFL Draft has come and gone, and a slew of ten new players will soon don the orange and brown. Cleveland not only double-dipped at wide receiver in back-to-back picks, but they also took three offensive linemen.
The Browns will undoubtedly look to make room for the fresh, young talent they just acquired. So, with the rookies coming in, who on the roster is on the chopping block?
Cedric Tillman, WR
Cedric Tillman was drafted in the third round in 2023. While he has shown flashes, injuries and inconsistencies have hindered his ability to break out.
Now, factor in the additions of first-rounder KC Concepcion and second-rounder Denzel Boston. Despite being a top option last year, Tillman may not even make the roster given the influx of receivers. Additionally, his name has also come up in trade rumors as of late. However, given his lackluster production, his value is certainly on the lower side.
Dawand Jones, OT
Dawand Jones goes by the nickname of Big Thanos, and for good reason. He is a mammoth of a man at 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds. Many members of the Browns fan base were hopeful that the Ohio State prospect would pan out as a starting-level tackle in the NFL. However, much like Tillman, injuries have stifled any momentum Jones has tried to build.
The Browns used their top pick on a guy they view as a franchise left tackle in Spencer Fano. The Browns also added and extended tackle Tytus Howard via trade with the Texans, making Jones’ path to starting nearly nonexistent.
Dawand Jones could also be a trade candidate as he recently restructured his deal with the Browns. Jones’ new contract makes him easier to give away, as his new hypothetical team would be paying less of it. Even if Jones does stay with the Browns, he will likely be slotted as a backup “swing tackle,” a role that may suit him better given his injury history.
Ronnie Hickman, S
Ronnie Hickman is a 2023 undrafted free agent success story under the Andrew Berry regime. The Ohio State safety made the Browns’ 53-man roster his rookie year and has only grown as a player, becoming a full-time starter in 2025. The Browns placed a restricted free agent tender on Hickman, which tends to signal solid interest in retaining a player long term. Nevertheless, Hickman’s long-term future with the Browns may be in jeopardy.
The Browns now have significant capital invested in the safety position. Grant Delpit, a former 2020 second-round pick, has already become a staple in the secondary. Then, with their second rounder this year, Cleveland selected another safety in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Hickman will be on the Browns in 2026, but past that, it gets more complicated.
The Browns may move on from the UDFA instead of paying him the money he has earned. Developing McNeil-Warren would certainly be the cheaper option. Ironically, Hickman himself proved that the Browns have the ability to do so, which could encourage them to move on from him.
Rookie Outlook
The Browns had a very solid draft, and they will be bringing in plenty of fresh talent. Now, it’s up to the Browns’ front office and coaching staff to decide how to balance the young and the old.
It’s been a rough string of years for Cleveland, but they seem to be getting on the right track. How they manage these assets could very well dictate their level of success for years to come.
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