After the NFL Draft, these 3 Cleveland UDFA’s have the best chance to make the roster in 2024

3 players who have the potential to be the next “Ronnie Hickman” for the Browns

Now that the 2024 NFL Draft has officially concluded, it’s time to evaluate some of the Cleveland Browns’ top undrafted free agents that the team signed on Saturday and Sunday.

It’s no secret that Andrew Berry has a knack for finding some “diamonds in the rough” following the draft and this year could be more of the same.

It’s important to note that the possibility of these players making the roster is heavily dependent upon the number of spots that will be allocated to each position.

For a full list of Cleveland’s undrafted free agents, you can check out our roundup here.

OL Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State – 6’5.1”, 301 pounds

Jalen Sundell has both the athletic profile and collegiate production to be a legitimate contender to push for a roster spot this offseason.

His 40 starts in college at left tackle and center speaks to his positional versatility and football IQ. These two positions are very, very different in terms of blocking assignments and overall technique. It’s rare for an offensive lineman to shift between these two specific positions at any level. His lateral movement ability and balance are what stands out most on tape, along with his consistency in taking great angles when targeting landmarks downfield.

The Browns are currently working with a lack of depth on the interior offensive line, which was helped by the additions of Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi in free agency, but these two journeymen are hardly locks to make the roster. Sundell can provide depth at all 5 positions along the offensive line and it’s evident that new offensive line coaches Andy Dickerson and Roy Istvan value versatility.

TE Treyton Welch, Wyoming – 6’3.4”, 241 pounds

Treyton Welch didn’t have a ton of production in college but he has the traits to be a decent TE3 in the NFL. One thing that stands out with him is how he was utilized in ‘22 and ‘23 at Wyoming.

He was more of a “move” tight end for the Cowboys, being lined up in the slot, as a wing, and even out wide as a big “X” on occasion. Welch was constantly used on third-level routes like slant-go’s. skinny posts, and deep-in’s quite a bit and his 4.63 speed was very evident on film. He also lived off of double-moves because Wyoming offensive coordinator Tim Polasek and passing game coordinator Mike Grant knew that opposing linebackers couldn’t run with him downfield.

As of right now, his blocking mechanics need to be worked on but his athleticism and receiving skills could give him a “leg up” in an offseason battle with Giovanni Ricci for Cleveland’s TE3 position.

OL Javion Cohen, Miami – 6’4.3”, 324 pounds

Needless to say, Javion Cohen going undrafted is very puzzling. He was one of the better pass-blocking interior linemen in the ‘24 draft class and has been highly regarded throughout the scouting and evaluation process. His lack of athletic prowess and pre-draft interview process may have caused this, but Cleveland is thrilled to have him.

Cohen has a great anchor against bullrushers and can “steer” them away from the quarterback as the rep goes on. Some of his most impressive work in 2023, both in-season and during the Reese’s Senior Bowl came against some of the bigger-name defensive tackles such as Braden Fiske, Ruke Ohorhoro, and DeWayne Carter. He needs to work on his run-blocking technique at the NFL level, as his strength and power occasionally negated itself in college due to improper hand placement and pad level.

He undeniably has a chance to not only make the 53-man roster, but end up being in contention for the top backup right guard spot behind Wyatt Teller as early as 2024.

Final Thoughts

All three of these players can compete for roster spots throughout training camp, but naturally, it’s always a “gamble” with UDFA’s.

If the Browns decide to keep 10 offensive linemen heading into week 1 of the 2024 season, it’s realistic that the player list could be as follows:

• OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
• OG Joel Bitonio
• C Ethan Pocic
• OG Wyatt Teller
• OT Jack Conklin
• OT Dawand Jones
• OT James Hudson
• C Luke Wypler
• OG Michael Dunn
• OG Javion Cohen or OG/C Jalen Sundell

Yes, Hakeem Adeniji and Germain Ifedi were signed in free agency, but the way Cleveland structured their contracts is that of “camp bodies”. Both of these players can be cut during the summer without penalty and would create more cap space for the team.

If Treyton Welch incrementally improves his blocking, it wouldn’t be surprising in the slightest to see the Browns’ tight end room look like this heading into the 2024 season:

• David Njoku
• Jordan Akins
• Treyton Welch

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How do you feel about Cleveland’s 2024 UDFA class? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.