clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2014: DL Preview, Part 3

DL Calvin Barnett.
DL Calvin Barnett.
Ronald Martinez

In Part 2 of our training camp preview on the Cleveland Browns' defensive line, we looked at the team's primary backups on the defensive line. Today, we look at the remaining players on the back end of the roster on the defensive line.

8. CALVIN BARNETT - UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

8276_mediumCalvin Barnett (#91)

Height:
6-2 | Weight: 317
Age: 22 | Experience: Rookie
College: Oklahoma State

Note: Signed after draft as an UDFA...has already received praise from DC Jim O'Neil.

An undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, Calvin Barnett was Justin Gilbert's teammate, something that perhaps played a role in his decision to sign with the Browns.

Barnett has a leg up among the other players in today's preview because of what defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said a few weeks ago. When discussing the depth on the defensive line, O'Neil said, "We've got good depth inside with Des, Rubes, Phil. Billy Winn's done a great job this offseason. So has John Hughes." Then, on his own accord, he mentioned Barnett: "I really like Calvin Barnett, the kid that we picked up post-draft." That has to feel good if you are Barnett...and not so much if you are Ishmaa'ily Kitchen.

In an article by Kevin Jones of Browns.com, it is noted that Barnett "has never played in a 3-4 scheme, yet the Browns still feel comfortable teaching him all three positions on the defensive line during OTAs." The Browns' defensive-minded coaches seem to like versatility among their linemen, and Barnett's best shot at making the regular season roster would be to use his physical style of play to try to beat out Kitchen for the backup nose tackle spot. If not, he seems like an early favorite to land on the practice squad.

Final Roster Odds: 20%
Practice Squad Odds: 60% (if he doesn't make the final roster)



9. JACOBBI MCDANIEL - UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT DEFENSIVE END

8276_mediumJacobbi McDaniel (#60)

Height:
6-0 | Weight: 293
Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie
College: Florida State

Note: Was signed after a tryout at Browns rookie minicamp ...former baseball player.

An undrafted free agent out of Florida State, Jacobbi McDaniel played in 14 games last season. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2009, but opted to go to college to pursue football.

Unlike Barnett, McDaniel did not sign with the Browns immediately following the draft. Instead, he tried out for a spot at rookie minicamp and was one of the fortunate players to make the cut. The Tallahassee Democrat outlined his journey to making the Browns' roster:

After flying up to Cleveland last Thursday, McDaniel participated in a slew of individual and team drills during the next three days. He got to go up against Browns second-round draft pick Joel Bitonio of Nevada and others, and he also participated in skill tests where they measured the quickness of each defensive lineman’s hands. McDaniel won those contests every time."I was blessed with some athleticism that most big men weren’t," said McDaniel.

McDaniel projects as a defensive end on the third-string units to begin training camp.

Final Roster Odds: <5%
Practice Squad Odds: 20% (if he doesn't make the final roster)



10. CAM HENDERSON - FORMER PRACTICE SQUAD DEFENSIVE END

8276_mediumCam Henderson (#79)

Height:
6-4 | Weight: 270
Age: 24 | Experience: 1 year
College: Central Florida

Note: Was with the Falcons in 2013 camp...signed to Browns practice squad at end of 2013.

An undrafted free agent from Central Florida in 2013, Cam Henderson spent last year's training camp with the Atlanta Falcons as a defensive end, where he finished the preseason with 2 tackles. He did not make their roster.

Henderson joined the Browns last December as a member of the team's practice squad. Other than that, there's very little information I have on him. Usually, I can find some interesting nuggets to report on, but there's nothing out there on this guy.

The most information you can dig up on him is via his Twitter account. He posted a video of his footwork a couple of days ago. He also heads into camp at the bottom of the depth chart at a very deep position, so he'll have to show that he's practice squad worthy again.

Final Roster Odds: 1%
Practice Squad Odds: 20% (if he doesn't make the final roster)



Over the weekend, we'll begin previewing the Browns' offensive line. Our final poll on the defensive line asks which of the three players from today's preview you are most intrigued by...although I think my write-up on Barnett will sway the votes a bit.