At 4:00pm EST on Tuesday August 26, NFL rosters must be at 53 players. The waiver wire will be full of very talented players, many of which could help other teams. These roster decisions are tough on the players and the teams. This is also an opportunity for teams to improve certain position groups. For Cleveland, the point of emphasis will be running back, cornerback and possibly offensive tackle. Barring injuries and possible trades prior to the deadline, here’s my prediction for the initial Browns 53-man roster.

Quarterback (4). Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Sheduer Sanders. I’ve said all off-season the Browns won’t carry four quarterbacks on the final roster. Well, I was wrong. After watching the final preseason game, the team has to carry all four quarterbacks.

Running Back (3). Jerome Ford, Dylan Sampson, question mark. The question mark is for Quinshon Judkins. The league is dragging its feet in deciding if Judkins will be punished. If there is clarity in the next couple of days, Judkins is on the roster. If not, the Browns have to find another running back. A lot hinges on Peirre Strong’s concussion. Keep an eye on Denver’s Audric Estime, OC Tommy Rees was his OC at Notre Dame.

Tight End (2). David Njoku, Harold Fannin. This is the position group you can afford to have less players. A number three tight is primarily a blocker. The Browns can use a spare offensive or defensive tackle for blocking. I expect them to carry an extra tight end on the practice squad.

Wide Receiver (6). Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Carter, Diontae Johnson. Johnson might be the odd man out to give way to Kaden Davis or Gage Larvadain. My gut tells me the team goes with experience.

Offensive Tackle (4). Jack Conklin, Cornelius Lucas, Dawand Jones, Jackson Barton. Still not confident in Barton and this is where if a quality veteran becomes available in trade or waivers, the Browns will pounce.

Offensive Guard (4). Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Teven Jenkins, Zac Zinter. Set.

Center (2). Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler. If Pocic injury is serious, Wypler is the starter, and Bucky Williams would be the backup.

Defensive Tackle (4). Maliek Collins, Michael Hall, Mason Graham, Shelby Harris. Set.

Defensive End (6). Myles Garrett, Isaiah McGuire, Alex Wright, Joe Tryon Shoyinka, Adin Huntington, Cameron Thomas. Set.

Linebacker (5). Carson Schwesinger, Mohamoud Diabate, Jerome Baker, Devin Bush, Winston Reid. Bush still might get suspended by the league, if so I’m confident Easton Mascarenas-Arnold will make the roster.

Cornerback (5). Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, Myles Hardin, Nik Needham, Dom Jones. This is the position groups that needs the most help. After Ward and Newsome, they’re average. A waiver claim or trade is definitely possible. The Browns might go with four safeties and six cornerbacks because Needham can play both.

Safety (5). Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman, Rayshawn Jenkins, Chris Edmonds, Donovan McMillon. Set unless they decide to go with six cornerbacks, then McMillon goes to the practice squad.

Long Snapper (1). Rex Sunahara. Set.

Punter (1). Cory Bojorquez. Set in concrete.

Kicker (1). Andre Szmyt. In the NFL you can’t miss extra points. It changes a way a team calls offensive plays because they’re trying to catch up to that one point all game. The Dustin Hopkins era in Cleveland is over.