Yes…A Depth Chart

OK I understand it’s way too early for this, but I simply can’t help myself. Around this time of year everyone loves a good (or sometimes bad) depth chart!

Quarterback:

• Blaine Gabbert-This is his team, his year.
• Chad Henne-Still the number 2; provides a veteran presence.
• Jordan Palmer-If he continues playing like this how can you not keep him around?

Running Back:

• Rashad Jennings-No one could ever fill MJD’s shoes, but Jennings will get the job done.
• Montell Owens-Good number 2 back and pro-bowl special teamer; spells Jennings in spot duty.
• Keith Toston-This kid wants it. Plays his way onto the team.

Fullback

• Greg Jones-That little fight between him and Osi was awesome. We could use a little fight.
• Brock Bolen-Versatility as a back up; good on coverage teams.

Wide Receiver:

• Justin Blackmon-5th overall pick may need time, but best believe it he has a spot on this offense.
• Laurent Robinson-Hopefully he provides Blaine with a reliable target.
• Cecil Shorts III-He could make the leap this year.
• Mike Thomas-Play like you did last Friday night…ALL THE TIME.
• Brian Robiskie-Make Cleveland sad they let you go.

Offensive Line:

• Eugene Monroe-Does nothing but improves and gives Gabbert very good protection in 2012
• Eben Britton-What will happen with him this season?
• Rob Meester-Old faithful. Staple in this offense.
• Uche Nwaneri-Solid.
• Will Rackley-Needs to get healthy, but I can see this kid having a decent season.
• Cameron Bradfield-He’s got versatility
• Jason Spitz-He’ll be good to go in the regular season; interior utility lineman.
• John Estes-He’ll man the back up center position.
• Mike Brewster-I still think he makes the 53.
• Drew Nowak-Yes I went there. The DT makes the team as an interior offensive lineman.

Tight End:

• Marcedes Lewis-Can he improve on his disastrous 2011 campaign? He HAS to.
• Zach Miller-Health still a huge ?
• Zach Potter-Gabbert seems to trust him.

Defensive Tackle

• Tyson Alualu-Something tells me him being held out is cautionary.
• C.J. Mosley-Capable back up to Alualu.
• Terrance Knighton-Stuff the run!
• D’Anthony Smith-We just may see what we have in Smith in 2012.

Defensive End

• Andre Branch-This kid will be a force.
• Jeremy Mincey-We need more than 8 sacks.
• Aaron Morgan-Will this project pay off?
• Austen Lane-This is a make or break year for Lane.
• George Selvie-May keep him around for health’s sake.

Linebacker

• Daryl Smith-So underrated
• Paul Posluszny-Has to get better in coverage, but he’s a tackling machine.
• Russell Allen-He did it the hard way, but I think he gets Sessions’ spot in which he played so admirably last season.
• Kyle Bosworth-Saw him on the field a lot last Friday. If that becomes the standard throughout the rest of preseason then there’s your answer.
• Brandon Marshall-Impact special teamer? He looked good on the kick coverage teams last Friday.

Cornerback

• Derek Cox-He’ll be ready week one. #1 corner
• Aaron Ross-I think Ross will have a GREAT season
• Rashean Mathis-Long in the tooth, health a concern.
• William Middleton-I really like what I’m seeing from this guy.
• Kevin Rutland-He sneaks on the team yet again!
• Mike Harris-Team keeps six corners.

Safety

• Dawan Landry-Continues to do what he does.
• Dwight Lowery-See above.
• Chris Prosinski-Sticks around for depth and special teams.
• Courtney Greene-Quality depth; can play both safety spots.

Specialists

• Josh Scobee-So relieved we sign him!
• Bryan Anger-Field position weapon, BANGER!
• Jeremy Cain-Long snapper.

Not the most in depth analysis, but it’s how I see it as of now. Thoughts, gripes? See comments section.

-David R. Johns