Final cuts are made
Posted August 30th, 2008 by Luke Chandler
Today the Browns made their final moves to get down to the 53-man roster. Here are the moves:
Reserved/Injured
OG Lennie Friedman
Waived
TE Brad Cieslak
DB A.J. Davis
WR Efrem Hill
TE Kolomona Kapanui
DB Travis Key
OL James Lee
WR Lance Leggett
LB David McMillan
DB Brandon Mitchell
LB Chase Ortiz
OL Jonathan Palmer
DB Jereme Perry
DL Melila Purcell
K Jason Reda
WR Steve Sanders
WR Travis Wilson
Terminated – Vested Veteran
LB Shantee Orr
Waived/Injured
OL Derrick Morse
OL Marvin Philip
DL Chase Pittman
RB Travis Thomas
A few surprises here, but injuries truly forced the Browns hand. Since Nathan Bennett had stayed healthy throughout camp, he gets a spot on the final roster over Morse, Philip, and Palmer.
The Browns cutting ties with WR Travis Wilson has been long overdue in the eyes of many, but now with the injuries at receiver it seemed likely a veteran like Wilson would make the cut. The Browns must love the upside of rookie Paul Hubbard, despite and up and down preseason.
OT James Lee seemed to have built a niche' as a backup to both tackle spots, and seemed to have an edge over Isaac Sowells who had looked disappointing thus far. Right now if something were to happen to starting left tackle Joe Thomas, the Browns would likely move either starting right tackle Kevin Shaffer back to the left, or move left guard Eric Steinbach outside.
Shantee Orr may be the biggest veteran name to lose his spot. He had played decently during the preseason rotating between ILB and OLB, but he lacked a pass rush flair that Alex Hall gave. It was mildly surprising to see the Browns cut both McMillan and Orr.
Starting on September 2nd, players eligible can be added to the 8-man Practice Squad. This is my quick guess on the guys who could be brought back:
1. Chase Ortiz, LB – He's a high motor guy, but he lacks burst and understanding of the linebacker position. He is highly coach-able, and could be a nice project player.
2. Travis Key, SS – Key has nice playmaking ability and ball skills. He is a bit small though and raw after walking on at Michigan State.
3. James Lee, OT – As mentioned before, he's a raw player but could be a project at left tackle.
4. Melila Purcell, DE – Purcell had solid games against the Lions and Bears, and was doing well against the run. Right now it looks like injuries elsewhere forced the Browns to go thin on the DL, but having a player who knows their system available on hand would be nice should injuries hit the first wave.
Remember too that the Browns will bring in a few players from out side the organization for the Practice Squad. Who do you see making the squad, and what are your thoughts on the cuts? Post away.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
When I read the stats on Nathan Bennett I was sure Cleveland was heading for a better year. Then I saw he got cut from the final roster. Thats ok, let him imrove everyday on the practice squad, I thought. But now, to find out he has been released from the practice squad all together is ridiculous and shot in the heart to many cleveland fans. This 0-6 record we are on is not going to ever improve without old-school football players like Bennett. We need heart and thats what he had. Now Cleveland took that away so where is all our hope going to go? All I can say now is, GO CAVS!