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Happy Birthday Brown!

I don't know if I'd go as far as you have with a bunch of that, but this one is VERY different from what we've seen in Berea since the early 90's, at the least. I have little doubt that other franchises have seen a bit of this here and there over the years, but it's just so foreign to a Browns fan it seems like it must have never happened before. The reality is that this is probably just normal top-of-the-league "good". Teams are going to score on this defense. We are going to lose games. Baker is going to throw INTs. Chubb may still fumble one. OBJ & Landry will drop some. We're still going to win a lot.

that was mostly because the UDFA looked almost as good as the starters. Now, I'm pretty sure we don't have a UFDA that looks almost as good as OBJ Landry DPJ or Higgens. they probably look like 1/2 as good. Same was always true with our RB's until we got Chubb and Hunt

Expect Year 2 Breakout From Donovan Peoples-Jones Who Is 'Lighting Up' Camp

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2946...ighting-up-camp

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is a star-in-the-making. He just needed a little more time than other recent draft picks to show what he's capable of after a disappointing collegiate career. His performance during training camp has been eye-opening for an already loaded roster that features Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.

According to The Athletic's Zac Jackson, Peoples-Jones is "lighting up" training camp.

Talent always makes itself known if it's properly nurtured. Cleveland took a chance on Peoples-Jones with the 187th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. In the deepest wide receiver class ever, 25 heard their names called before the Browns finally pulled the trigger.

Peoples-Jones was a 5-star flop at Michigan. He never managed more than 47 receptions or 612 yards during any of his collegiate campaigns. His ability was obvious, but Michigan struggled to utilize him properly.

At the time, Peoples-Jones was a potential throwaway pick in a loaded wide receiver class. Cleveland's front office knew it invested in a lottery ticket, but his upside was well worth the risk.

"He was an exceptionally athletic, very talented individual," Browns area scout Colton Chapple told reporters shortly after Peoples-Jones' selection. "... This is a guy we really like in terms of his overall size, speed and athleticism to bring to our unit and contribute in whatever manner our coaches deem fit."

Chapple added: "What we saw on tape when he did have his opportunities, he made the most of them. He became a very dynamic player once the offense was able to get him the ball quickly."

Fast forward six months.

Beckham went down with a season-ending knee injury in a Week 7 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns and their division rival went back and forth during the second half before quarterback Baker Mayfield found Peoples-Jones on a back-shoulder throw for a game-winning 24-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left. At that moment, the Browns saw the potential of what their wide receiver corps could eventually become.

Peoples-Jones finished tied for fifth on the team with 304 receiving yards. The sophomore receiver could easily emerge as the Browns' third option behind Landry and Beckham. The flashes were promising. Peoples-Jones finished fourth in the rookie class with an average of 1.83 yards per route run, per Pro Football Focus. At one point during the Browns' stretch run (Weeks 13-15), the first-year pass-catcher posted the second-most yardage on throws 20-plus yards downfield.

"Most rookies, there is a learning curve," head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters. "[Jedrick Wills Jr.] obviously, was in there from play No. 1 and started the whole season, but I would say that is pretty rare across the league. Once you get out of that first-round top-15 guys, you typically have guys who you are working into the lineup and their roles grow throughout the season.

"I think Donovan is a great example of that. Again, a really smart player, a conscientious kid who we could put in there and trust him to do the job. He certainly earned our trust over the course of time."

The next step is earning the trust of his quarterback, and he's certainly seemed to do so during his second training camp.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that Peoples-Jones has slimmed down and spent all offseason working with Mayfield. As a result, his physical gifts are consistently translating to the field.

Before understanding what the wide receiver brings to the table from an on-field perspective, his natural ability must be addressed. Peoples-Jones is a 6'2", 212-pound target with 33½" arms. His 44½" vertical is the second-best NFL combine effort since the league began revealing results in 2006. He finished first among his wide receiver classmates with an 11'7" broad jump, too. He ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. Overall, the prospect posted a SPARQ (speed, power, athleticism, reaction and quickness) score in the 99th percentile of NFL wide receivers, per NBC Sports' Thor Nystrom.

Peoples-Jones is the caliber of athlete every team wants at wide receiver. Great athleticism doesn't always translate to the field, though. In his case, he's showed a level of consistency that can't be overlooked.

"He has done an outstanding job of putting himself in position to have the opportunity to contribute here because of his work ethic," wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea said Wednesday. "I would say thus far in camp, like some other guys in the receiving group, he has made the most of his opportunities."

Peoples-Jones displayed the ability to stack cornerbacks and get vertical in limited opportunities last season, and he's looked even better during recent practices. His body control and concentration on passes have been exceptional. He's regularly made highlight-worthy receptions during training camp sessions.

The Browns already have two star wide receivers and multiple tight ends they want to get on the field. But opportunities are sure to arise in multi-receiver sets.

Besides, Beckham has missed at least four games in three of the last four seasons. Landry played through a hip issue in 2020 as well. Injuries happen. Depth is necessary. Peoples-Jones can play all three receiver spots and contribute on special teams.

"Last year, I was so impressed with his ability to function mentally across a lot of different positions," O'Shea said. "Certainly, I think that adds value to a player when you can line up at different spots and be a multiple-role player, that is going to increase your opportunities."

Cleveland found some success late in the 2020 campaign by going five-wide, albeit with tight ends or even running backs flexed. Stefanski can continue to tweak his scheme and take advantage of the talent available to him.

The Browns' offensive play-caller knows what he has in OBJ and Landry. Rashard Higgins has developed a rapport with Mayfield that's only gotten stronger each season. General manager Andrew Berry drafted speedster Anthony Schwartz in this year's third round. Clearly, opportunities could be limited as Cleveland searches for the right balance to reach optimal efficiency.

However, Peoples-Jones' continued excellence in practice will force Stefanski and Co. to implement packages where he's on the field with a chance to shine.

A year from now, the Browns could move on from Beckham and Landry because of their combined $31.6 million salary-cap hit (but only $1.5 million guaranteed). Peoples-Jones should see incremental growth and usage over the new few months and into next season, when he could emerge as Cleveland's WR1.

Not every incoming wide receiver can be like Beckham or the Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson, who set a rookie receiving record last season. Peoples-Jones is only 22 years old after declaring early for the draft. He clearly needed time and the right situation to fulfill his immense potential. He still has a lot to prove, but he's coming on strong.

Considering his performance throughout training camp, Peoples-Jones should kick open the door, receive more playing time this fall and give the Browns yet another exciting option for an already impressive offense.

Curious as to how that works. Is it just an exaggeration... "all offseason"? Is it an open invitation to all receivers with Mayfield? Or is it just DPJ knocking on Baker's door like "yo, I need to get a bunch of work in this offseason" and Baker taking him under his wing?

No matter how you slice it, this bodes well on both players' fronts.

Is there One Defender Peoples-Jones is consistently beating or is he outshining against a full group?

Is there one type of play scheme matching up Peoples-Jones in favorable circumstances consistently allowing him to shine vs the defense or is he doing it from all aspects of any situation he's put in?

Carlton Mitchell

It came out recently that Hooper has been spending extra time with Mayfield this season as well. I didn't hear about it over the offseason, but it was mentioned in a mini-camp summary.

Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith carted off with a right leg injury in Fridays' training camp practice.
Jimmy Smith 33 has played his whole career for Baltimore.

I agree with some of the commenters on that tweet.... the thing with Takk has just gotten kinda weird. An undisclosed illness and now an excused absence... during Training Camp? He has yet to take a rep; this does not look good, but the team has been doing its damnedest to keep whatever it is low-key.

It's best to not think about Takk or count on that guy for anything. If he shows up, great, if not, that is what I expect.

I have a feeling he doesn't play a down for us. doesn't make alot of sense

I know you know this, but players are people with real lives and real life problems. My guess here is that real life has given him something he needs to deal with.

true, and some people have more of them.

The guy is an egghead.

We have no idea what's going on. For all we know, someone in his family could be critically ill, or trouble along those lines. Let's not condemn him without any of the real info.

j/c...

This was from early 2019.

Hopefully he's alright.

https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2019...l-health-check/

Would like to see him playing for us, but we also have a log jam on the DLine right now too. We have solid depth players that will be cut, so if a projected starter doesn't work out we'll have to next man up the position.

Shoot I never noticed this damned nice of you fate thanks..

BEREA — Takk McKinley remains away from the Browns, and coach Kevin Stefanski said he doesn't have an expectation for when the defensive end will return.


"I really don't," Stefanski said Saturday before the ninth full-squad practice of training camp.

Asked if McKinley is expected to return and be ready for the start of the season Sept. 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Stefanski said, "I just don't have a time frame yet. I can't really get too far into it. I'm hopeful, but don't have a time frame."

McKinley left practices early July 30 and July 31 and hasn't been back on the field since then. He was seen vomiting before his departure July 30.

The Browns had been citing an illness as the reason for McKinley's absence until Stefanski provided the following update Friday: "Takk is excused for personal reasons, but [we] expect him back."


However, the timing of a return is nebulous.

In March, the Browns signed McKinley as an unrestricted free agent. His one-year contract has a value of $4.25 million and can reach $6 million with incentives.

The Browns are counting on McKinley to become a key player in their defensive end rotation along with starters Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney.

Takk McKinley shares his story: Browns' Takk McKinley says he lost himself in Atlanta, but means 'nothing but business' now

Browns center Nick Harris, right, fends off defensive tackle Andrew Billings on Monday, August 2, 2021 in Berea, Ohio, at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]
Browns center Nick Harris, right, fends off defensive tackle Andrew Billings on Monday, August 2, 2021 in Berea, Ohio, at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. [Phil Masturzo/ Beacon Journal]
PHIL MASTURZO, AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Andrew Billings eager for Cleveland Browns to return to the playoffs
Andrew Billings is happy about his decision to opt out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns tied to his severe asthma, yet the defensive tackle is disappointed he missed a chance to appear in a playoff game for the first time in his NFL career.


“I felt like I missed out on a career opportunity,” Billings said, “but we’re ready to get back to the playoffs again.”

Billings and Malik Jackson have been the first-team defensive tackles all offseason, but Billings said he's convinced he must still earn the job. He lost 20 pounds in a span of about five weeks and credits the running he did in the Atlanta heat during the buildup to training camp.

The Browns are counting on Billings, a former Cincinnati Bengals starter, to provide a run-stuffing presence. Defensive line coach Chris Kiffin recently called Billings “the strongest guy I've ever seen.” Billings won a high school state powerlifting title in Texas.

“These are the numbers from high school: I dead lifted 705 [pounds], squatted 805 and benched 500,” Billings said.


Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II participates in drills during NFL football training camp, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Berea, Ohio.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II participates in drills during NFL football training camp, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Berea, Ohio.
JEFF LANGE, AKRON BEACON JOURNAL
Cleveland Browns rookie Greg Newsome II is getting rave reviews
Cornerback Troy Hill played for the NFL's top-ranked defense last season as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. In other words, Hill knows a talented defender when he sees one.

And rookie first-round draft pick Greg Newsome II has caught Hill's attention.

“He's going to be a great player,” Hill said. “He's going to be a star in the making. He's really humble. He definitely wants to be great. I see the work ethic in him, too. I'm excited to be a part of his journey and at the start of his journey.

“I see the way he was going about trying to get his technique down and everything [since Day One]. I definitely see the greatness in him.”

Greg Newsome II has a top athlete in his corner: How Browns rookie Greg Newsome II, Northwestern basketball star Veronica Burton lift each other


Odell Beckham Jr.'s plan for joining Cleveland Browns team drills
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills during training camp, an unsurprising development because he is on the comeback trail from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in his left knee Oct. 25 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Stefanski said Beckham would join team drills at an appropriate time.

"We're just taking in all the advice of the medical team and Odell himself," Stefanski said, "and just making sure we do this the right way."

Beckham didn't practice Saturday but he did on a limited basis Friday, when he ran routes and caught passes from quarterback Baker Mayfield between periods.

"It's about precision, and it's about being accurate when you're throwing the ball, getting the right depth, running the right route and the quarterback getting the right feel for how a receiver runs a route because all the guys are different," Stefanski said. "There's great value in the work those guys are getting. It's scripted. The coaches know exactly what throws they want to get and in what order. Those two, that battery has gotten a ton of great reps over there."


Cleveland Browns training camp schedule
The Orange & Brown Practice is scheduled to begin at noon Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

"We'll have a nice two-hour long practice where guys are competing against each other," Stefanski said. "We'll do some red-zone work. We'll do some two-minute work. We'll see some situational ball.”

In preparation for the practice at the stadium, the Browns dialed down the tempo Saturday and conducted what was basically a jog through.

According to the Browns, the following players didn't practice due to injury: linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (knee), Montrel Meander (hamstring) and Tony Fields II (foot), safeties Ronnie Harrison Jr. (hamstring) and Sheldrick Redwine (ankle) and receivers Alexander Hollins (hamstring) and Anthony Schwartz (hamstring).

Players who had scheduled rest include cornerback Denzel Ward, right tackle Jack Conkin and defensive tackle Malik Jackson. Receiver Jarvis Landry returned after resting Friday.


— Nate Ulrich

Is there news on if Richard Lecounte is healthy and practicing or out with injuries?

Freakin amazing. 30,000 at a practice.. Geez

That would be great news, because he has talent, and he has the physical ability to be a plus level LB. He just has to put it all together.