CLEVELAND, Ohio — Every NFL roster has its pressure points — positions where a single injury could trigger a cascading collapse. The latest Orange and Brown Talk podcast tackled this crucial question for the Cleveland Browns, with insider Mary Kay Cabot offering a definitive assessment of the team’s most vulnerable position group.
When asked which Browns position couldn’t afford a key injury, Cabot didn’t hesitate: “I would go with wide receiver right now. I would absolutely go with wide receiver because the X-factor, as we have mentioned so many times, is Diontae Johnson.”
The podcast delved into why receiver depth presents such concern despite the Browns’ offseason additions. Johnson’s reliability remains the great unknown in the equation, creating a precarious situation that could unravel quickly.
“If we knew that he was going to be reliable and going to be out there and going to be healthy, then you would know that you have a Pro bowl caliber receiver to go with the other guys,” Cabot explained. “But we don’t know that about him. And so if something happened to Jerry Jeudy, then I think you might be leaving yourself a little thin or a little short as a position.”
Dan Labbe shared the concern while also identifying another position group flying under the radar as a potential vulnerability: tight end. Despite David Njoku’s emergence as a top-tier talent and the selection of rookie Harold Fannin Jr., Labbe sees risk in the position’s depth.
“David Najoku, we know what he can do when he’s right. And Harold Fannin seems like he was a really good pick. But if David struggles with injuries again and now Harold Fannin is kind of forced in to be the tight end one ... that group gets a little thin quickly if you’re running a lot of heavier personnel,” Labbe noted.
Njoku’s injury history adds legitimacy to this concern. Cabot reminded listeners that the tight end missed three games with an ankle injury early last season before ultimately landing on injured reserve with a knee issue. With Kevin Stefanski potentially returning to more tight end-heavy personnel groupings, the position’s depth becomes even more critical.
The podcast provided a sobering reminder that the Browns’ success in 2025 will hinge significantly on injury luck — particularly at wide receiver and tight end. With several position groups relying heavily on star players with injury histories or unproven depth behind them, Cleveland’s medical and training staffs will play a crucial role in the team’s fortunes.
To hear the complete breakdown of the Browns’ roster vulnerabilities, including more details on Jed Wills’ situation and potential solutions for the thin position groups, listen to the full Orange and Brown Talk podcast featuring Mary Kay Cabot and Dan Labbe.
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