If you wonder why we are over the top about labeling the decisions made on Tuesday as the “initial” 53-man roster so much, Wednesday was a sign of why. The future also holds many more roster decisions, but the Cleveland Browns initial 53-man roster has already seen two additions and two subtractions, while the Browns practice squad officially has nine players so far.
Cleveland may still have a quarterback issue, with rookie Dillon Gabriel installed as the primary backup, but the roster continues to
get younger and more athletic.
Wednesday afternoon, reports came that the Browns will be adding former first-round pick OL Cole Strange and former third-round pick WR Malachi Corley to the practice squad:
Strange was a surprise first-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL draft, with many seeing him as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. Strange has played in 30 games, but just three last season, in his three years with the Patriots.
Corley was labeled the “YAC (yards after catch) King” coming out of college with a comparison to WR Deebo Samuel. The Western Kentucky star visited with the Browns prior to the 2024 NFL draft, where he was selected near the top of the third round by the New York Jets.
In nine games last season, Corley had just three receptions for 16 yards.
Both New England and New York have seen regime changes since Strange and Corley were drafted.
We will keep you up to date as news of practice squad signings continue to come in.
