Brad

Smelley

A sure-handed and stout 6-foot-2, 239-pound pass-catcher, Smelley should also see time at fullback. His athleticism is far from elite, but his versatility gives him a chance of cracking the Browns’ roster.

Smelley will compete with Smith for the H-back role, but is also expected to push Owen Marecic for snaps at fullback. Although Ben Watson is slated to start at tight end, the Northern Ohio News-Herald considers Evan Moore the only “safe” bet to make the team. Jordan Cameron is also in the mix for reps.

Smelley measured 6-foot-2, 237 at his Pro Day, and ran a forty-yard dash in 4.76 and 4.77. His broad jump lacked explosion at 9-foot-4. Smelley is an H-back type with minimal strength and athleticism. We’ve heard him talked up in draftnik circles, but he’s going to be hard pressed to make an NFL impact.

A seventh-round rookie out of Alabama, Smelley caught two passes for 21 yards in the preseason. He’ll likely focus on special teams the last three weeks.

The Browns are rolling with Chris Ogbonnaya at fullback this season.

Arian Foster and Ben Tate are already on injured reserve, and Dennis Johnson and Deji Karim went down against the Broncos. Smelley was just signed a couple weeks ago to fill in for usual fullback Greg Jones (knee). We wouldn’t want to use Johnathan Grimes in Week 17 even if we were absolutely desperate.

Smelley was among the Browns’ final cuts over summer. Starting FB Greg Jones is battling a knee issue, but Smelley can also play tight end. The Texans have a couple injuries at tight end. TE Jake Byrne was waived to create room.

Smelley has just four NFL appearances to his name, but had been atop the Texans’ depth chart late last season. It’s possible he wasn’t 100 percent healthy after tearing his calf in Week 16. Sixth-round rookie Jay Prosch is now the Texans’ lead blocker.