3 Browns who earned a roster spot in preseason Week 1
By Mark Powell
Browns players who earned a roster spot: Dawson Deaton
Deaton did not earn his roster spot by merit, but he will take it.
The rookie was drafted in the seventh round by the Browns, which means they think he has some potential, at the very least. A seventh-round pick is at the very least in contention for a spot on the practice squad.
With center Nick Harris going down with a season-ending injury, Deaton is one of several players vying for the backup center spot. It would be a surprise to see Cleveland cut one of the lone players with regular starting experience at the position (albeit in college).
Even if the Browns brought in a backup with more experience to play behind Ethan Pocic, cutting a draft pick of theirs at a position of need doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Deaton should at the very least make the practice squad. It has very little to do with his play so far.