Offense
Quarterback (Josh McCown): The Browns didn’t guarantee him $6.25 million to sit on the bench; Johnny Manziel has a ways to go if he hopes to pass McCown.
Running back (Terrance West): The Browns' leading rusher from 2015 had 673 yards, but he needs to show more maturity on and off the field.
Fullback (Malcolm Johnson): The Browns will either start Johnson, a third receiver (Andrew Hawkins) or a second tight end (Jim Dray). We’ll go traditional and line up a fullback.
Tight end (Gary Barnidge): Tall and reliable with good hands, Barnidge made some big catches in 2014; his role could grow this season, following the departure of Jordan Cameron.
Wide receiver (Dwayne Bowe): He was guaranteed $9 million as a free agent, even though he had zero touchdowns last season in Kansas City.
Wide receiver (Brian Hartline): He should be a dependable second receiver, though it would be nice if he had a little more speed.
Left tackle (Joe Thomas): He hasn’t missed a single down since he was taken third overall in the 2007 draft.
Left guard (Joel Bitonio): A natural from Day 1, he will be headed to many Pro Bowls.
Center (Alex Mack): How he recovers from the broken leg that sidelined him for 11 games in 2014 will be key to the line's coming together.
Right guard (John Greco): He’ll be pushed by rookie Cam Erving, but Greco is an underrated, hard-nosed lineman who gets the edge.
Right tackle (Mitchell Schwartz): Erving also will have a shot to unseat Schwartz, but the coaches seem to like Schwartz.
Defense
Defensive end (Randy Starks): The Browns feel this free-agent addition can step in immediately on the outside.
Nose tackle (Danny Shelton): He was drafted 12th overall to stop the run; if he doesn’t start, it will be a major disappointment.
Defensive end (Desmond Bryant): He is probably the most underrated player on defense; he led the entire defense the past season with 749 snaps.
Outside linebacker (Paul Kruger): He followed a disappointing first season in Cleveland with a good one last season, with 12 sacks, 11 QB hits and 30 hurries, per ProFootballFocus.com.
Inside linebacker (Karlos Dansby): A professional, a leader and a guy who was badly missed when a knee injury sidelined him late in 2014.
Inside linebacker (Craig Robertson): He is considered a leader and a solid performer by the coaching staff, and he will be pushed by Chris Kirksey.
Outside linebacker (Scott Solomon): Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil raved about his run-stuffing abilities; he’ll play early downs to do just that.
Cornerback (Joe Haden): A key to the defense’s success, Haden has grown into one of the best corners in the league.
Cornerback (Tramon Williams): His signing solidified the secondary. The Browns believe -- and hope -- he has something left at age 32.
Safety (Donte Whitner): He played solid in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
Safety (Tashaun Gipson): He is an aggressive safety who figures to make plenty of money after the season as a free agent; he plays the run and plays the pass.
Specialists
Place-kicker (Carey Spear): Nobody should be surprised if the Browns add a veteran kicker at some point during camp.
Punter (Andy Lee): With his rockets in offseason practices, he caught attention immediately upon being traded to the Browns.
Kickoff returner (Duke Johnson): The rookie has the speed and attitude to be successful. He had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2012 at the University of Miami.
Punt returner (Travis Benjamin): Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said this of Benjamin: "I expect him to be great."
