Photos: 2024 Position Preview - Linebackers

The Browns kept their core specialists together after a successful 2023 season, re-signing Bojorquez in free agency and extending Hopkins. Both Bojorquez and Hopkins have their share of accomplishments in their time in Cleveland. Bojorquez set the Browns single season punt average in each of his two seasons since joining the team as an unrestricted free agent in 2022, while Hopkins set a Browns record for most field goals in a season by a Brown by making 33 of his 36 field goals.

The Browns brought back a key veteran to their safeties as they re-signed Rodney McLeod Jr. for his final season – which he announced on an appearance of NFL Network's "Total Access" in May – as well as extended Delpit in Dec. 2023. They have the necessary depth to the secondary with the presence of Thornhill, as well as anticipated growth from their younger players in Bell and Hickman.

The Browns have a solid level of depth to their cornerback room, starting with the veteran presence of Ward and Newsome, as well as with the leap that Emerson took in his second season with Cleveland. The corners played an integral role in the success of the Browns defense throughout the 2023 season – Emerson led the team with four interceptions and tied with Newsome to lead the team with 14 passes defensed, while Ward recorded 11 passes defensed and forced two interceptions.

The Browns added more talent to their receiving corps when they acquired Jerry Jeudy in a trade with the Broncos and extended him for three years. They have a solid group of pass catchers in Jeudy, Cooper and Moore, as well as the emergence of Tillman in his second year. Tillman was a standout in minicamp and was recognized for the work he put in during the offseason. Thrash, who the Browns drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, showcased potential during OTAs and minicamp.

With a healthy quarterback room, the Browns can use training camp to build their new offense around Watson and the talented receiving corps. They'll have consistency at quarterback from the start of the season in someone who can help facilitate the offense.

The Browns have solid tight end options that they can use as pass catchers and offensive weapons for QB Deshaun Watson. It all begins with Njoku – who will continue to have a prominent role in the offense. Njoku comes into the 2024 season leading the group after a standout 2023 season, in which he led the team with 81 receptions and a career-high six receiving touchdowns. Yet, Akins also has the potential to have a bigger role in his second year with the Browns.

The Browns fortified their running back room during the offseason, as they signed Hines, Foreman and Ricci during free agency, who each have experience in the league and have played different roles over their careers. Hines has established himself as both a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, as well as a strong kick returner. Foreman brings veteran presence to the room as he is entering his eighth NFL and began his career alongside WB Deshaun Watson in Houston. Ricci is also officially listed as a fullback for the Browns and provides another weapon in the run game.

The Browns will see the return of key tackles during the 2024 season in Conklin, Jones and Wills. Having their tackles back in the mix will provide a lift to the offensive line that was depleted last season due to all the injuries. Bitonio, Teller and Pocic also anchor the Browns offensive line, and each play an integral role in the success up front. The Browns also re-signed Dunn, bringing back a long-time staple of the offensive line.

The league's top defense ran it back with their defensive line during free agency, re-signing Harris, Hurst and Smith to contracts. Alongside Garrett and Okoronkwo, they kept their core unit together. The "engine" of the defense is fueled by veteran players who all helped the Browns defense excel in 2023. As a unit, they led the NFL in total defense – allowing just 270.2 yards per game – and passing defense – allowing 164.7 yards per game.

Check out photos of the safeties the Browns will be bringing into training camp

Check out photos of the cornerbacks the Browns will be bringing into training camp

Check out photos of the tight ends the Browns will be bringing into training camp