With the Cleveland Browns starters largely established, we examine three players that could shake up the depth chart in NFL preseason play.

The Cleveland Browns will kick off their training camp at the Greenbrier Resort just over a week from now. This marks the beginning of competition between players to make the 53-man roster and define their roles before the season starts.

Although the Browns’ starting lineup is largely established, the preseason never fails to showcase young talent further down the depth chart. The preseason allows position battles to play out in a game situation, and strong performances can shape the depth chart.

Several players could shake things up on the depth chart this preseason with their potential to bring something different to their position groups. Three players of high interest are CB Myles Harden, WR Jamari Thrash, and LB Devin Bush. All three have the potential to feature exciting aspects of their game that will be highly entertaining to watch in the preseason. How the Brown’s coaching staff deploys each player will be something to monitor as they look to make a splash in preseason games with the hope of securing a roster spot and carving out a role on the Brown’s 2024 roster.

These storylines are often the most captivating when monitoring the Browns’ offseason progress and team construction. While we eagerly await the arrival of regular-season games in September, training camp and the preseason provide a look at some of the more intriguing new talent on the roster.

CB MYLES HARDEN

Myles Harden is a talented young cornerback I am excited to watch in the preseason. Harden is 5-11, 195 pounds and played four seasons at North Dakota. While he doesn’t possess elite straight-line speed—running a 4.5 40-yard dash at the combine—he has good fluidity and a short-area burst.

With his impressive football knowledge and a gift for anticipating the quarterback’s eyes, he is aggressive in jumping routes and creating turnovers. His draft profile highlights his destination as a team that values intelligent players with excellent coverage skills. He plays an in-your-face, physical brand of football.

Harden’s tackling and physicality indicate his potential to play in the slot position. His college tape reveals a player who thrives in physical confrontations and fearlessly engages in close-quarters and open-field situations. These attributes are highly valued in the Browns secondary.

It will be intriguing to see how the Browns utilize Harden. They will likely cross-train Harden potentially at both corner and safety, as the Browns value that versatility. Determining if he can play on the outside at the next level will be a big part of what to watch for.

If Harden wants to make the 53-man roster he will have to outplay Khalef Hailassie. Hailassie has shown the ability to play on the outside and likely has an edge on Harden heading into camp, but if Harden’s game translates to the NFL, he has a chance to usurp Hailassie and make the roster. The preseason will be a significant part of this battle. Harden plays a fun style of football and I hope to see it on display this preseason.

WR JAMARI THRASH

Every preseason, we see a wide receiver flash some potential. Sometimes, these players are buried too far on the depth chart for it to matter. This year, the Browns have a group of young wide receivers who should see a lot of playing time in the preseason as they look to determine how their depth chart will line up.

Cedric Tillman arrived at the Brown’s offseason program looking like he had added some muscle during his time away from the team. At minicamp, head Coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Deshaun Watson praised Tillman, who looks like the leader to be the fourth receiver on the depth chart.

Jamari Thrash, David Bell, and Michael Woods II will all battle Tillman for positioning on the 53-man roster.

Thrash is adept at making precise cuts and reliably catching the ball. He poses a significant challenge for defenders in shorter and mid-range routes. Thrash’s excellent footwork and quick cuts allow him to create separation against man coverage, making him a valuable asset both in the slot and outside. His exceptional route-running skills and innate ability to read defensive schemes make him an attractive target for his quarterback. His downfield speed plays better than his 40 time would indicate.

He will need to prove he can play with the necessary physicality in the NFL. He will be tested at the line of scrimmage, and because of his limited raw athleticism, he needs to overcome physical cornerbacks.

Despite these concerns, Thrash’s skillset and understanding of the game make him a compelling weapon in the Browns’ new offense, especially with the implementation of more choice/option routes. Thrash’s proficiency in excelling during scramble drill situations and his talent for finding open spaces during broken plays could effectively complement Watson’s ability to escape the pocket and make off-schedule throws.

Thrash’s game has aspects that could make him a good fit in the Browns’ offense, and I am looking forward to seeing what he can do in the preseason. With a strong performance, he has the potential to climb the depth chart.

LB DEVIN BUSH

The Browns linebacker room is well defined at the top with Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah and free agent signing Jordan Hicks. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver stated that Tony Fields ended last season as the team’s third linebacker and spoke about his value heading into the 2024 season.

Nathaniel Watson, the Browns’ sixth-round draft pick, brings some size and speed to the room and will look to challenge Fields for his role.

I am looking forward to watching free agent signing Devin Bush in the preseason. Bush was a first-round pick who showed flashes of being a dynamic player before he hurt his knee early in his second season with the Steelers. Since then, he hasn’t looked like the same player, but still possesses excellent speed.

In Jim Schwartz’s scheme, where the linebackers have some freedom to attack upfield, Bush is an intriguing addition. If they can simplify things for Bush and allow him to play freely, relying on his movement fluidity and attacking speed, he could be a valuable addition.

Bush has a good understanding of the game and the instincts of a veteran. If utilized in the right way, he could potentially play a role on the defense that allows him to showcase his athleticism. How Schwartz and Tarver deploy Bush will be interesting, and it will be a fun aspect of the defense to watch this preseason.