The verdicts are in, and, as always, there are a few surprises whenever the final roster cuts are announced.

Ultimately, one has to defer to the coaches, who are the folks watch all the practices and get paid to make these assessments. All I try to do is follow along, watch the games, try to read between the lines, and hope for the best. That said, as I wait for Butch Davis’ press conference to start (he’s 15 minutes late so far), these are the biggest news items from this last group of waives:

On the offensive line, mammoth guard Qasim Mitchell, who got a signing bonus last year as an undrafted free agent, was cut. Enoch Demar, Chad Beasley, Paul Zukauskas, and Melvin Folwer all made the team.

Linebacker Sherrod Coates survived, beating out Howard Clark and Mason Unck.

In the secondary, undrafted rookie Leigh Bodden made the team, while Kalvin Pearson and Rickey Sharpe were waived.

The team opted to keep fullback Kevin McLeod and three tight ends, so there was no room for undrafted rookie TE Chad Mustard.

Preseason sensation C.J. Jones made the final roster, as did veteran Andre King, giving the Browns six wide receivers. Most likely, one of these two will have to go if Frisman Jackson (PUP list) returns from injury this season.

Felipe Claybrooks made the team and will doubtless play on the kick coverage units. With him, the Browns will carry nine defensive linemen.