Browns Make A Surprising Move, Cut 2024 Draft Pick
Last season, despite season-ending injuries to quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb, the Cleveland Browns made the playoffs by relying on their defense.
However, their defense has been inconsistent this season.
They were hopeful that rookie linebacker Nathaniel Watson would develop into a valuable contributor this season, but according to Daniel Oyefusi, they discarded him on Thursday, with the possibility of bringing him back later to join their practice squad.
The Browns released rookie linebacker Nathaniel Watson.
Given the timing of the move, additional roster juggling is anticipated ahead of Sunday, with the intention of returning Watson to the practice squad on Saturday if he clears waivers.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi), September 19, 2024
Watson attended Mississippi State University for six seasons of collegiate football and led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with 10.0 sacks last year, earning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Browns drafted him in the sixth round, although he only played special teams in the first two games of the season.
The Browns may benefit greatly from one or two standout linebackers.
While they have reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett at defensive end and 2023 Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the rest of their front seven is somewhat thin.
They limited the Jacksonville Jaguars to 13 points last weekend, but in Week 1, they allowed 33 points in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who have a poor run game.and lacks a legitimate number two wide receiver.
Cleveland will host the New York Giants on Sunday before traveling west to face the Las Vegas Raiders the following Sunday.
