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Cleveland Browns OTAs begin next week
by Tony Grossi Plain Dealer Reporter
Wednesday May 07, 2008, 3:06 PM
http://www.cleveland.com/brownsbeat/index.ssf/2008/05/cleveland_browns_otas_begin_ne.html
The Browns start the first of 12 OTAs next week. OTAs is short for organized team activities, which is NFL-speak for offseason team practices.

Technically, attendance at these practices is voluntary. But there is peer pressure to attend. Skipping them is viewed as a player putting himself above the good of the team.

Last year, receiver Braylon Edwards missed the very first OTA practice and it created a stir. OK, it stirred the football media seeking something to write and talk about in the month of May.

It is duly noted that Edwards quickly rejoined his team the next day, attended all the other OTA sessions and proceeded to have a breakout year, establishing himself as an elite, Pro Bowl receiver.

Anyways, as the Browns proceed to the next phase of their season of great expectations, we ponder the following issues during the OTA sessions:

• Will rookie draft pick Martin Rucker take advantage of the injuries to Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden and get a jumpstart on contributing immediately to the offense in his first season?

• How will the defense change under new coordinator Mel Tucker?

• How quickly will new linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers adjust to the Browns' defense?

• Will Winslow attend even if he is unable to participate or will he remain in San Diego?

• How will receiver Donte Stallworth fit in with the offense?

• What about the Derek Anderson-Brady Quinn debate? Should every pass from each be scrutinized or should the media wait for training camp to do that?

I'd like readers of this blog to post other issues on their mind, too.

what is it 121, 122 days to Dallas vs Cleveland I hope they're looking at matchups for the first 4 regular season games, but thats just me

As Bob Parker would say....

Next Week...."C'mon Down........."

We all will have more clips to watch

My DVR is about burnt out watching games from last year.....madden isnt much fun anymore either....and i agree the rookie videos are getting there too....cant wait to get some more vids, and some interviews to watch....GOD I HATE THE OFF SEASON hahaha

Has anyone heard if Bentley will attend?

Daven Holly ?

I hope so were slim on DBs.

There was a Savage interview last week that indicated that Holly will sign the RFA tender in order to participate.

Hello Happy, I'm Bob Barker. Looks like we're going to be playing some golf together today....

I would like to see them get him on a 2 or 3 year deal...he played pretty decent last year

Agreed. I'd like to see him here as well. He seemed to understand his role and played well for the most part.

As a nickle or dime backer he's very functional. He just doesn't have great athleticism. Hopefully he doesnt think he's in line for a starter type contract.

Very little "football" in this article below, but I LOVE IT.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tucker conducts his own OTAs with teammates
JEFF SCHUDEL, Morning Journal Writer

05/11/2008

BEREA -- When players in the Browns' offseason program aren't lifting or running at the team complex in Berea, they do what co-workers everywhere in the world do -- they sit around and talk. Sometimes, they talk about business ventures. Often they talk about family.

This spring, more than any other year since NFL football returned to Cleveland in 1999, the Browns are talking about how exciting the season that lies ahead could be.

''It is more intense than it has been in other years,'' right guard Ryan Tucker said recently. Tucker is a good judge; this is his seventh season with the Browns, and he has seen all the lows and the scant number of highs over the years.

''Everybody is coming in and working their butts off. Guys are excited. Everybody is talking about the schedule and all these games (five) we have on prime time. Usually at this time we wouldn't be talking about any of that. We'd be talking about, ÔSo what are you doing this weekend?'

''There is more focus. There's a lot of enthusiasm. It's not a grind like it was before.''

The offseason program began March 17. The draft was April 26-27 and rookie minicamp was the next weekend.

The next step toward the start of the season occurs Tuesday with the beginning of organized team activities (OTAs). Players will practice three days a week without pads leading up to the three-day mandatory minicamp beginning June 10. Training camp starting the final week in July would be next, but many players will continue working out at the facility after minicamp.

Before the offseason program began, Tucker invited the entire offensive line to his 1,100-acre ranch in Texas. Much has been made about the Browns re-signing Derek Anderson, re-signing Jamal Lewis, acquiring wide receiver Donte Stallworth in free agency and acquiring Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams in trades. But as far as Tucker is concerned, none of those moves was more important than the decision to keep the offensive line intact -- not only the starters but backups on the line as l.

''It's the same guys in the (offensive line) room we had last year,'' Tucker said. ''I haven't had that since I was in St. Louis (1998-2001), I'm really, really excited about that. We have an excellent group of guys. They prepare well, they're smart and we really get along well. We're there for each other.''

The Texas getaway brought a group that was already tight-knit even closer together.

''They paid for their flights, but we had everything set up,'' Tucker said. ''It was neat. We hung out, had a few Coca-Colas, hunted turkey, fished, played cards ... It was a great time.

''When those guys left, I went down the road and killed an Armenian red sheep.''

Tucker's ranch is stocked with exotic animals such as black bucks, elk, white fallow and buffalo. The entire ranch is fenced in -- sort of like the fence the offensive line formed in front of Derek Anderson last season.

Anderson was sacked only 14 times in 15 starts. Tucker started the final eight games at right guard, and in those games Anderson was sacked six times -- never more than once a game.

Tucker, 32, was a right tackle the first 10 years of his career, but he easily made the transition to right guard when Seth McKinney was knocked out for the season with a shoulder injury. In fact, he said he is a better guard than tackle.

Jamal Lewis rushed for more than 100 yards in five games last season -- four of them with Tucker at guard.

''It didn't surprise me he played as well as he did at guard,'' Coach Romeo Crennel said. ''Ryan has experience as guard from earlier in his career and he also played guard in the (2007) preseason and handled it well.

''Ryan is a competitor. He'll do whatever he can to help the team win at whatever position he's asked. Ryan is a leader and he brings experience and knowledge from his 11 years in the NFL. He knows the inner workings of players and organizations and is a leader in the locker room.''

Tucker always has been optimistic, but last summer reporters wondered if he had sustained too many head slaps when he predicted the Browns would be one of the biggest surprises in the NFL.

''We might lose a few games, but we're gonna have a great year,'' he said.

Turns out he was right. The Browns finished 10-6 in 2007.

The Browns won't sneak up on anybody this season, and they'll be tested right out of the chute in the season opener against Dallas and then in a night game against the Steelers. Both games are in Cleveland Browns Stadium. After that, they finish September with games in Baltimore and in Cincinnati.

''I can't wait,'' he said. ''Expectations are higher than last year. We know we can improve in every area. It's a game of inches. If we can just improve a couple we'll be a really tough team.

''The first game is huge for me. I grew up a Dallas Cowboy fan because I grew up in Texas. I'm still a Cowboys fan.

''The second game is a little bigger. I've only beaten those guys once since I've been here. I just want to stick it to them one time.''

OK, maybe two times. The Browns finish the 2008 regular season on Dec. 28 in Pittsburgh.

jschudel@News-Herald.com

Yeah, that was a good article. I can't add anything, other than to say it was fun to read.

Loved how the O-Line got together on their own this offseason.

I think comraderie is a key element in success. It's not a neccessity, but it does make things easier.

I think it is important for an OL. These guys must work together more than any other unit on the football team. It's cool to see they get along and that they are all coming back.

I hope that they spent some time talking technique and hypotheticals.

Great read.

j/c

OTAs kick off Monday
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
05.12.2008
That buzz that's been growing in Berea is expanding this week to the practice fields.

Tuesday marks the start of the Browns' organized team activity (OTA) practice sessions, meaning real football - even if only in shorts and helmets - has returned. OTA's and a full-squad minicamp in early June are the final pieces of the Browns' offseason program that started with the team's strength and conditioning program in March.

Over the next four weeks, the Browns will go through standard work days consisting of meetings and 90-minute practices, giving new players a jumpstart on fitting in and returning players a chance to build on the work they did in 2007.

"It's always exciting get guys on the field and play football," Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said. "The start of OTA's is a sign that training camp is quickly to follow, and that generates excitement. I think everybody is excited about last season and excited about the prospects for this year, that we have a chance to win some games and we'll be on national TV a few times

"Guys are anxious to get ready to make a good showing."

Among the goals and objectives Crennel listed for the Browns' OTA period...

**He said he and new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will "lay the groundwork for improving the run defense."

"Obviously, that's been an issue for us in the past," he said. "We're going to focus on that. And on the defense as a whole, we're going to try the entire operation with a new coordinator. We'll iron out the kinks that might arise and see how everybody communicates on the field.

**Incorporating new players on both sides of the ball into the Browns' schemes and system.

"You're always anxious to evaluate new personnel on the field. We've added some guys, and we want to see how they fit and see how quickly they're picking up the new terminology.

"Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers, we know they've got talent and ability. We're excited to have them and think they'll make a great contribution for us. Anytime you have new players there's a learning curve but they seem to be quick learners. I think they'll pick it up pretty quickly."

**Giving young players an opportunity to prove they're ready for expanded action in 2008.

"Travis Wilson is a guy that will have an opportunity to get a lot of reps in OTA's. Joe (Jurevicius) is working through a knee situation and Steve Sanders broke a bone in his foot, so that opens the door for Travis to get a lot more work. I talked to him about taking advantage of that opportunity. We'll see him maybe step up and be able to do more.

"With the rookies, you're always looking at how quickly they pick up things. You also see how they work with the veterans around. Now they're here with the vets and guys they've been watching on TV, so it's interesting to see how they interact with those guys."

**Dealing with heightened expectations entering the 2008 season.

"It beats the alternative. For a while around here it wasn't very exciting and expectations were very low. Now high I think everybody is going to grasp it, take it and run with it. We're ready to get to work."

Home Page

Browns | Winslow unable to work in OTAs
Sun, 11 May 2008 18:17:10 -0700

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns TE Kellen Winslow (knee) is unable to participate in the start of OTAs.

Browns | Heiden unable to work in OTAs
Sun, 11 May 2008 18:07:18 -0700

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns TE Steve Heiden (back) is unable to participate in the start of OTAs.

Browns | Jurevicius unable to work in OTAs
Sun, 11 May 2008 18:03:18 -0700

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns WR Joe Jurevicius (infection) is unable to participate in the start of OTAs.

Browns | Team working with D. Anderson as starter
Sun, 11 May 2008 18:02:48 -0700

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski said the team is working with QB Derek Anderson as the starter.

KFFL

Interesting to see that Travis Wilson will get more opportunity and that RAC had a conversation with him about taking advantage of it. Make or break period?

Nice read Shep! I think it's great that the OL is creating this type of atmosphere. I believe it will help them greatly. Even the backups getting in on this is great, in case/God forbid, an injury happens maybe the backup will feel more compelled to do their best.

I'd like to see this with the DL, as well, at some point in the future when we have a solid and set lineup of guys on the DL.

I agree Rabidfan. I was just making light of the fact that there have been several references in the press about a possible holdout, even though there has only been one comment made by Winslow about wanting more money.

It will be great for Rucker to get in ther and soak up as much of the reps as possible during OTA's....i think this kid has a ton of upside and potential and with our main TE's out with injuries he should be able to jump in and get a head start

Aren't the rookies now excluded until their individual schools hold graduation??

And what about not being under contract? Or does that only apply for training camp?

I dont have an answer to any of those i thought they was part of the team already....I didnt think OTA's mattered as far as contracts and such

They were more directed to everyone in general... but I know that they cannot participate in Training Camp without being under contract. I'm not sure about OTA's or mini-camps.... and there IS some kind of stipulation about having to wait for their school's graduation, but I'm not sure what it affects.

The under contract thing was in regard to the CBA permitting a player not under contract to participate, not whether or not the player wants to sit out.... are they permitted to participate in OTA's or is the limitation only applicable to mini-camps and training camp?



bah... time to go re-read the CBA.

The way I read it in the CBA was that an "OTA" was a non-contact practice and thus any/all players could participate. I don't remember anything specific about draft picks, but it has been a while since I read it also.

Story about Bentley and the expectations of the OTA's starting today. Someone had previously asked about him, and I am sure we are all curious as to how he will come back and perform.



Bentley Link

Crennel optimistic about Bentley
UPDATE: 2:17 PM, Monday, May 12, 2008
BY Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

CANTON TWP. LeCharles Bentley must clear one more hurdle to suit up for spring practice this week.

Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel said the former Pro Bowl center was in New York to clarify an aspect of his recovery from an injury nightmare.

"Then he's gonna come here and let our guys look him over, and then he'll be available to go," Crennel said. "I talked to him about being here so that he can get started with us tomorrow. I don't know if that process will be completed by that time. He's supposed to call me back today."

The Browns are entering three weeks of what amounts to spring practice.

"(Bentley) feels good," Crennel said today at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club. "He says he feels better than he's felt in a long time.

"He's excited about the possibilities."

Bentley was signed as the centerpiece of the Browns 2006 free agency class, but he blew out a patellar tendon early in training camp. He missed the entire 2006 and '07 seasons.

Crennel also clarified the status of another player with an injury issue, Steve Heiden. The 30-year-old tight end is recovering from what Crennel termed "minor back surgery."

Heiden has been Kellen Winslow's backup the last two years. The fact the Browns recently spent a Round 4 draft pick on tight end Martin Rucker added some intrigue to the depth chart.

"I think Steve will make the team," Crennel said. "He's one of those tough guys, and he's a great team player.

"I like to have him there, let's put it that way."

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail:

looks like Dinkins is the obvious odd man out

j/c Some things to ponder....

10 things to follow during OTAs
Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
05.13.2008
With OTAs kicking off Tuesday, here are 10 things to keep your eye on during the four weeks of practice:


THE ADDITION OF COREY AND SHAUN: Without question a large contingent of the eyes during this year's OTAs will be on offseason acquisitions Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers and how they begin to adjust to the team's 3-4 defense along the line. Unfortunately, the team will be in shorts for OTAs, so we won't be able to see them in pads until training camp. But nonetheless, it's still an important few weeks for Williams and Rogers to get acclimated to the new system.

WHAT ABOUT THE BACKUPS?: The addition of Williams and Rogers also added some significant depth along the team's defensive line. Williams, Rogers, Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith will likely get the bulk of the playing time once the season comes, but a number of players will compete for playing time and roster spots as well. Louis Leonard appeared in 4 games for the Browns as a rookie. 2007 late-round draft picks Chase Pittman and Melila Purcell are anxious for a shot after a year predominantly on the practice squad. Meanwhile, the team also added rookie Ahtyba Rubin (6-2, 315) out of Iowa State in the sixth round of the recent draft.

COMPETITION AT CORNERBACK: With the trade of veteran Leigh Bodden during the offseason, some young players are suddenly at the top of the team's depth chart at cornerback. Daven Holly is the most proven on the unit, entering his fourth NFL season this fall. 2007 draft picks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald will be thrown into the fire even more than they were last year. Meanwhile, the team also has 10-year veteran Kenny Wright and first-year man A.J. Davis in the mix. Finally, the club has a host of rookies who will try to make an impact over the next several weeks and months. That list includes UNLV's Mil'Von James, Fresno State's Damon Jenkins, Oregon State's Gerard Lawson and Missouri's Darnell Terrell.

WHERE'S GARY?: The team's safety group is relatively solidified with Sean Jones and Brodney Pool as starters, but how does Gary Baxter fit in after missing the '07 season and most of the '06 season with injuries to both knees? Baxter is still trying to become the first player in NFL history to return to the field after tearing both patellar tendons. The team also has quality backups at safety in Mike Adams and Nick Sorensen, who were two of the team's most valuable contributors on special teams last year.

WHO'S GONNA RUSH?: Phil Savage has said the addition of Williams and Rogers along the defensive line should greatly aid Kamerion Wimbley's efforts rushing the passer, but just who else will join Wimbley and add some sacks to the team's overall total? Willie McGinest, who recently announced 2008 will be his final NFL season, has 7 sacks in two years as a Brown but is mostly a run stopper these days. Antwan Peek had 4 sacks in his first season as a Brown in '07 but was slowed by an ankle injury all year long. David McMillan is entering his fourth NFL season, while offseason signee Shantee Orr is excited to be back in a 3-4 defense after excelling in one in Houston. The team also has a promising rookie in Alex Hall out of St. Augustine's, but he'll likely need time to develop. TCU undrafted rookie Chase Ortiz could surprise some as well.

FIERCE COMPETITION AT LB: Andra Davis is entering his seventh NFL season, while D'Qwell Jackson and Leon Williams are entering their third. The trio played relatively equal time as a rotation in 2007, but now that group will be challenged by the arrival of fourth-round pick Beau Bell out of UNLV. Bell brings a hard-hitting presence that could be hard to keep off the field if he matures quickly in the team's 3-4 defense.

SEARCH FOR THE FOURTH WIDEOUT: Braylon has proved himself as the No. 1 guy. Donte' Stallworth was brought in to be the No. 2. That leaves Joe Jurevicius, probably in his final NFL season, as the No. 3. But the battle for the No. 4 and 5 wideout spots will be a competitive one that will probably last well into training camp. Pro Bowl returnman Joshua Cribbs will be in the mix, while 2006 third-round pick Travis Wilson wants to begin paying dividends. There's also veteran offseason signee Kevin Kasper, along with Cleveland native Steve Sanders and Syndric Steptoe, who spent last season on the practice squad. Efrem Hill, sixth-round draft pick Paul Hubbard and undrafted free agents Lance Leggett (Miami (Fla.)) and Nate Hughes (Alcorn State) round out the group.

PLENTY OF OPTIONS INSIDE: After re-signing each existing veteran and even adding one, the Browns have plenty of options on the interior line at center and guard. But ultimately, some might not make it to the regular season roster. Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley and Ryan Tucker are the incumbent starters, but offseason pickup Rex Hadnot should put some pressure on the group, especially if the team wants to move Tucker back to his natural position of right tackle. Seth McKinney was re-signed. He spent the final eight games of the season on injured-reserve (shoulder) after starting the first eight at right guard. Lennie Friedman, who has helped mostly on special teams but has played spot duty on the line in two years as a Brown, was brought back on a one-year contract. 2006 draft pick Isaac Sowells would like to get into the rotation as well, while there's also 2007 waiver pickup Marvin Philip and a host of rookies. The wild card in all of this is LeCharles Bentley, a Pro Bowl center/guard who has missed the past two seasons due to knee injuries. His potential involvement could significantly could significantly boost the team's interior line.

WHO'S THE BACKUP TO J-LEW?: Jamal Lewis will most certainly be the man taking the bulk of carries again in Cleveland this year but the team wouldn't mind another option in the backfield to spell him every now and then. Veteran Jason Wright is back again, as is Jerome Harrison, who is now entering his third NFL season. The team also added two rookie running backs following the draft this year in Notre Dame's Travis Thomas and Penn State's Austin Scott, who looked impressive in rookie minicamp.

THE CROWD AT TIGHT END: The Browns currently have six tight ends on their roster and will probably only keep three come the regular season. This battle should be extra interesting during OTAs because the team's top two tight ends -- Kellen Winslow (knee) and Steve Heiden (back) -- will sit out recovering from offseason surgeries. That'll give veteran Darnell Dinkins, '07 practice squader Brad Cieslak, and rookies Martin Rucker and Kolomona Kapanui plenty of chances to make their case to the coaching staff.

Coverage of OTAs begins Wednesday from Berea

main site

hmm....wonder when there is going to be some videos and some new articles up....