The Cleveland Browns have unveiled their updated depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft and a flurry of undrafted free agent signings, revealing a roster that appears significantly retooled and potentially explosive, yet still clouded by the lingering quarterback controversy between Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. According to team insiders and the latest reports from Mary Kay Cabot, Watson is currently listed as the QB1 on the official depth chart, but the competition is far from settled, with Sanders breathing down his neck after a promising rookie campaign last season. The Browns front office and coaching staff have aggressively reshaped the roster through the draft, free agency, and UDFA additions, aiming to correct the offensive line woes that plagued them in 2025 and to fortify an already dominant defense. This depth chart, analyzed extensively by Browns Report host Joey Odunze, presents a team that is deep at nearly every position, but questions remain about the starting quarterback, the stability of the offensive line, and which wide receivers will survive a crowded room.

The quarterback room is the most scrutinized unit in Cleveland, and the depth chart reflects a team in transition. Deshaun Watson, despite his struggles and the fanbase’s growing impatience, is slotted as the starter, but Shedeur Sanders is listed as QB2 and is expected to push for the top spot throughout training camp. Odunze argued passionately that Sanders should be the starter, citing his performance last season when he took over for Watson and showed flashes of brilliance. The Browns also retain Kaylin Green and Dylan Gabriel on the depth chart, but the real battle is between Watson and Sanders. The organization may opt for a veteran start to the season, allowing Watson to take the first few snaps before handing the reins to Sanders, a strategy that could either stabilize the offense or create further division. The pressure is immense on both players, as the Browns have invested heavily in the position and cannot afford another season of mediocrity.

At wide receiver, the Browns have assembled a deep and talented group that will make roster cuts particularly difficult. Jerry Jeudy, K.C. Conception, and Denzel Boston are the projected starting three, bringing a mix of speed, route-running, and physicality. Isaiah Bond is considered a lock to make the roster, but the team has 13 receivers on the depth chart, including Cedric Tillman, Gage Larvadain, and Malachi Corley, who was used effectively as a gadget player last season. The Browns also signed Tylan Wallace and Isaiah Wooden primarily for special teams, while UDFAs Aaron Anderson from LSU and Cole Wilson from Baylor add intriguing depth. Luke Floria, who generated excitement in last year’s training camp, is fighting for a spot alongside Jamari Thrash. This crowded room means several talented players will be cut or sent to the practice squad, and the coaching staff will have to make tough decisions based on preseason performance and special teams value.

The offensive line has been a major point of emphasis for the Browns, and the depth chart shows a completely revamped unit that could finally provide the protection the team has lacked. Spencer Fano is the new left tackle, a move confirmed by offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and he is joined by free agent signings Zion Johnson and Elton Jenkins, as well as Titus Howard, who was acquired via trade. Tevin Jenkins is slotted at right guard, but the center position remains a question mark. The Browns drafted Parker Brailsford, and Mel Kiper has suggested he could start as a rookie, which would allow Elton Jenkins to move back to left guard, where he was a Pro Bowler. Luke Wipler is also in the mix, but the ideal scenario would see Brailsford win the job, creating a line of Fano, Johnson, Brailsford, Jenkins, and Howard. Depth includes Zach Zinter, Austin Barber, Dewan Jones, and several UDFAs like Xavion Miller and Jay Conley, but the team is hoping to avoid the disaster of last season’s offensive line performance.

The running back room is led by Quintez Cephus, who is expected to return healthy and provide a dynamic presence in the backfield. Dylan Sampson is listed as RB2, with Raheem Sanders as RB3, and the Browns did not make a major splash in free agency or the draft at this position, indicating confidence in their current group. Amari Marshall, who had a strong preseason last year but failed to make the roster, will have to fight for a spot again, while UDFAs T.J. Harden and De’Von Booth add competition. Booth, in particular, has generated some buzz and could challenge Marshall for a roster spot. The fullback position is occupied by Michael Burton, a Todd Monken favorite who brings old-school physicality to the offense, sitting behind Cephus on the depth chart.

The tight end depth chart is more crowded than expected, with Harold Fannin Jr. leading the group. Blake Whiteheart, Brendan Bates, and Jack Stoll, a blocking specialist signed in free agency, provide depth, while rookies Joe Royer and Carson Ryan are also on the roster. Sal Canella and Kaden Preischorn round out the room, but it is unlikely all of them make the final 53. The rookies have a strong chance to stick, given their potential and the team’s investment in developing young talent.

Defensively, the Browns are loaded, particularly on the defensive line, which is considered the strongest unit on the team. Myles Garrett and Alex Wright are the starting edge rushers, with Malik Collins and Mason Graham anchoring the interior. This starting four is formidable, but the depth is impressive as well. Khaliya Davis, signed from San Francisco, and Aidan Hutchinson, a versatile defensive tackle who can line up at fullback and on special teams, provide options. Mike Hall and Sam Kamara are still on the roster, along with UDFA Bernard Gooden from LSU. On the edges, Isaiah McGuire has been a reliable piece, and Julian Okwara is back, while UDFAs Logan Fano and Tyrique Sapp add depth. The linebacker spot features Quincy Williams, a free agent signing who was an All-Pro, and Carson Swaim, the defensive rookie of the year. JOK remains on the depth chart but is on the physically unable to perform list, creating a competition behind Swaim involving Winston Reid, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, and rookie Justin Jefferson, who is also a special teams contributor.

The safety depth chart is led by Grant Delpit at strong safety, with Ronnie Hickman as the starting free safety, but rookie Emmanuel McNair Ward could challenge Hickman for the starting role. Daniel Thomas was signed in free agency and sits behind Delpit, while Donovan McMillan and UDFA Zion Washington provide additional depth. The cornerback room is headlined by Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, who were outstanding last season, but the battle for the slot corner position is intense. Myles Harden is currently listed as the slot corner, with Trey Avery and Myles Bryant behind him, but DeAngelo Ross, who finished the season strong, is a name to watch. UDFAs Nate Evans and De’Carlos Nicholson are fighting for spots, along with Michael Woods II, adding depth and special teams value.

Special teams remain stable, with Andre Smith earning his roster spot after a shaky start last season, Corey Bojorquez returning as punter despite some inconsistency, and Rex Sunohara as the long snapper. The Browns have added two punters behind Bojorquez, Constantino and UDFA Wes Paul, indicating that the punting job is not entirely secure. Overall, this depth chart presents a Browns team that is deep, talented, and hungry, but the quarterback decision and offensive line chemistry will determine whether they can finally break through and become a contender in the AFC. Fans are already debating the team’s record for 2026, with predictions ranging from a playoff push to another season of mediocrity, depending on how the roster gels during training camp. The Browns have the pieces, but the execution will be everything.