Cleveland Browns: LJ Fort, Ronnie Cameron Just Two Undrafted Rookies Who Increased Odds of Making Team in Preseason Finale

By Kris Knox
Senior Writer

The Cleveland Browns entered Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Chicago Bears with two primary goals: avoid injuries and fill out the roster.

It appears that the team may have met at least one of them.

Rookie linebacker James-Michael Johnson left the game with an oblique injury, and the Browns stumbled to another mistake-filled 28-20 loss, but a trio of undrafted rookies made a strong case for making the regular season roster.

Running back Adonis Thomas put forth a solid performance against Chicago, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries.

Considered a long-shot to make the team, the former Toledo star struggled through much of the preseason. Averaging just 2.2 yards per carry through Cleveland’s first three games, Thomas appeared poised for another lackluster evening before breaking open a 64-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter.

The 5’9″, 185-pound running back’s greatest attributes are his breakaway speed and big-play ability and both were on display during his long run. For the preseason, Thomas has amassed 137 yards rushing on 36 carries, caught three passes for 43 yards, and returned six kickoffs for 157 yards.

The Browns may be faced wit a tough decision on Friday when rosters must be trimmed to 53 players. Unfortunately, the team is already crowded at the running back position, and unless the Browns choose to carry four backs into the regular season, the team may simply try to sneak Thomas onto the practice squad.

While Thomas’ chances of making the final 53 appear slim, fellow undrafted rookie LJ Fort may have done enough on Thursday to ensure that he will be a regular contributor when the season kicks off on Sept. 09.

With Chris Gocogong on injured reserve and Scott Fujita likely to serve a three-game suspension at the start of the season, the Browns are in desperate need of reliable linebackers. If Thursday night’s performance is any indication, Fort looks to fit the bill.

Against the Bears, the former Northern Iowa standout recorded seven tackles, including an impressive hit on Bears running back Armando Allen in the backfield late in the third quarter.

Through all four preseason games, Fort amassed a team-leading 21 tackles and a forced fumble. His ability to track and close on the ball-carrier should make Fort a natural fit as a backup in Cleveland’s 4-3 scheme and a regular special teams contributor.

Fort likely solidified a roster spot on Thursday.

Defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron also increased the likelihood of his making an NFL roster this season. The Old Dominion product was claimed by the Browns off waivers two weeks ago–ironically, from the Bears.

While Cameron’s statistics against Chicago–one tackle for a loss and one quarterback hit–were not overly impressive, he had shown tremendous progress in a relatively short amount of time.

Cameron is a raw player, but his size (6’2″, 304 pounds) and uncanny athleticism provide tremendous upside and if the Browns do not decide to gamble on him, another team likely will. At least four other teams reportedly put in waiver claims when the Bears waived Cameron.

Of course, considering Cleveland’s need for depth on the defensive line, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise  if they decide to roll the dice.

While guys like Thomas, Fort and Cameron may never develop into NFL superstars, they are the type of players that can help a franchise late in games and late in the regular season, especially when injuries begin to mount.

Over the next 24 hours, teams will be cutting and signing players at a frenzied pace in order to put together a combination of 53 that gives them the best chance to win in Week 1.

The Browns have a lot of difficult decisions to make over the next day or so. Hopefully after Thursday night, at least a few of those decisions have become a little easier.

Follow Kris on Twitter: @Kris_Knox

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