Cleveland Browns OTAs primer: Deshaun Watson's first practices, a changed offense and more
Nate Ulrich
Akron Beacon Journal






The Browns will shift their voluntary offseason workout program into a higher gear this week when organized team activity practices begin, marking the first time quarterback Deshaun Watson will participate in on-field work with the vast majority of his new teammates.

Yes, Watson and other Browns players have been on the field for drills in recent weeks, and he hosted the majority of the offense for workouts over the weekend in the Bahamas.

But the upcoming OTA sessions will be the first practices for the Browns since they traded with the Houston Texans for Watson on March 18, a move team brass believes will propel it from a disappointing 8-9 record last season to legitimate Super Bowl contention.

Latest on the legal side for the Browns quarterback:NFL reportedly wants another meeting with Deshaun Watson, whose accusers will speak on HBO


The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association stipulates players may wear helmets but not pads during OTA practices. There are other rules, but the most important one is seven-on-seven, nine-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills are permitted in OTA practices, provided no live contact occurs.

Teams may conduct a maximum of 10 OTA practices. The Browns' first one will be held Tuesday, with their first one open to the media taking place Wednesday. They'll wrap up their first week of OTAs Thursday.


The Browns have other OTA practices scheduled for May 31-June 2 and June 6-9.

Remember, OTAs are voluntary. Two years ago, there were no in-person OTAs because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, almost all of the starters on offense refrained from participating because former Browns center JC Tretter led a movement as the NFL Players Association president against attending the voluntary offseason workout program, citing injury data and COVID-19 concerns.


In other words, OTAs this year are expected to have the highest attendance in the coach Kevin Stefanski era.

Players aren't contractually obligated to show up to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea until mandatory minicamp June 14-16, when quarterback Baker Mayfield plans to report to the Browns if he's still on the roster because he doesn't want to be fined or jeopardize any of the guarantees in his $18.858 million salary for 2022. The Browns can excuse Mayfield from mandatory minicamp, but they can't tell him to stay away. Training camp, which begins in late July, is required, too.


For now, though, it's spring practice time. And this is a guide for what to watch from afar because OTA practices are closed to the public, and only three of them are open to reporters (Wednesday, June 1 and June 8).

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, takes questions from local media during his introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility on Friday.
Browns should balance passing game development with prep for a potential Deshaun Watson suspension
There's only one first practice of a new era, and Watson's arrival certainly makes this a new era for the Browns.

When Watson's first Browns game will be is a mystery, though, because he could be suspended under the NFL's personal conduct policy. Two dozen women have accused Watson of sexual misconduct or sexual assault during massage appointments, and 22 have active civil lawsuits filed against him. Last week in Houston, NFL officials interviewed Watson, who avoided charges on 10 criminal complaints in March and has denied all wrongdoing.


While the Browns wait to find out whether Watson will be available for their Sept. 11 regular-season opener on the road against the Carolina Panthers, they'll be preparing him to get on the same page with a receiving corps led by another offseason trade acquisition, four-time Pro Bowl selection Amari Cooper.

But because a Watson suspension appears to be more likely than not, it would also be wise for Stefanski to ensure quarterback Jacoby Brissett is developing adequate chemistry with Cooper and other projected starting pass catchers, including receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Bell, a rookie third-round draft pick, and franchise-tagged tight end David Njoku.

The Browns signed Brissett this offseason to be Watson's primary backup.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski watches drills during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Berea on Friday.
How different will the offense of Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski look out of the gate?
In late March at the NFL owners meetings, Stefanski would not rule out making wholesale changes to his offense with Watson aboard.

When Stefanski landed his first head coaching job in January 2020, he brought the scheme he learned in Minnesota from Gary Kubiak to Cleveland. Its staples are play-action passing off a running game powered by zone blocking. Stefanski has also become known for frequently using big personnel. The Browns led the NFL the past two seasons in 13 personnel (three tight ends).

With Watson, Stefanski figures to spread the offense out with more three-receiver sets and implement run-pass options.

It's hard to fathom Stefanski completely forsaking the system he has used the past two seasons, but changes will be made, some of which should be evident in OTAs.

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, right, celebrates after cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. knocked over a member of the coaching staff in drills during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Berea on Friday.
Cleveland Browns rookies will find out how they fit with veteran players
The Browns held rookie minicamp from May 13-15, but those incoming first-year players have yet to practice with their veteran teammates. They will during OTAs.

The day after General Manager Andrew Berry made Martin Emerson Jr. the Browns' first draft pick this year, taking the cornerback from Mississippi State University in the third round (No. 68 overall), the franchise traded nickelback Troy Hill to the Los Angeles Rams on April 30. The Browns view Emerson primarily as an outside corner, and although 2021 first-round selection Greg Newsome II has shown he can move from the outside to slot corner, the defense appears to be thin at nickelback with Hill gone.

Story from Horizon Therapeutics
What chronic illness can do to mental health
See More →
During the recent rookie minicamp, Stefanski downplayed the notion that the Browns were in the market for a new nickelback because of Hill's departure.

“I think we have multiple guys who can fill that role and have filled that role in there,” Stefanski said. “I think that's why we talk about versatility. If you're playing corner or if you're playing safety, you're going to be trained to play in the slot and play our nickel position. I think we have multiple guys who can do that.”

Well, OTAs ought to provide the first peek of how the Browns plan to address nickelback and to what extent they'll experiment with Emerson there.

Getting deals done:Cleveland Browns sign seven of their nine-member 2022 NFL Draft class

The slot on the other side of the ball is a position of interest, too. All signs point to Bell being the top candidate there, though he can play on the outside, where he appeared the most at Purdue University. Former Browns receiver Jarvis Landry has taken his inside-outside versatility to the New Orleans Saints, so the Browns are counting on Bell to fill a similar role.

Another rookie worth tracking is running back Jerome Ford. A fifth-round pick, Ford has conceded he didn't expect the Browns to draft him out of the University of Cincinnati. Do you know why? It's because they were already stacked at his position with Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson and Demetric Felton Jr., who played more receiver than running back last season as a sixth-round rookie.


Chubb is the only one in the group who can be safely ruled out as a trade possibility. Perhaps the Browns will find a way to keep all of the running backs on the roster for the coming season — it would make sense if fewer tight ends are factors this year — but the coaching staff getting side-by-side comparisons between Ford and his veteran counterparts could inform such decisions.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Alex Wright, left, punches the ball away from defensive end Isaiah Thomas, right, during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Berea on Friday.
Which players will start with Myles Garrett on the Cleveland Browns' defensive line?
Aside from All-Pro end Myles Garrett, there are question marks across the defensive line.

The Browns agreed Sunday to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney as the starting end opposite Garrett, but the competition for the rest of the pass-rushing pecking order will be notable. Trade acquisition Chase Winovich and free-agent acquisitions Stephen Weatherly and Isaac Rochell will be vying with two rookies — third-round pick Alex Wright and seventh-round selection Isaiah Thomas — and holdover Curtis Weaver for rotational roles.

Long shots living NFL dreams:Cleveland Browns announce they signed 12 undrafted free agents

At defensive tackle, rookie fourth-round choice Perrion Winfrey will have a chance to become an immediate starter at three-technique. Free-agent acquisition Taven Bryan and holdovers Tommy Togiai, Jordan Elliott and Sheldon Day are also in the mix for the two starting spots on the interior of the defensive line.

Nickelback and defensive line are likely the top areas of intrigue for defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

Cleveland Browns rookie kicker Cade York tosses around a football on the sidelines during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Berea on Friday.
Revamped Cleveland Browns special teams will be on display
The Browns desperately needed boosts on special teams, so they drafted kicker Cade York in the fourth round and signed punter Corey Bojorquez and Pro Bowl returner Jakeem Grant Sr. this offseason.

It's May. The wind and wintry weather later in the year at FirstEnergy Stadium will be the real tests for York and Bojorquez. Still, looking good in the spring wouldn't hurt the confidence and trust special teams coordinator Mike Priefer has in his new players.

A flag, the fans and hitting it true: Phil Dawson advises Browns rookie kicker Cade York


Which Cleveland Browns players have made changes to their bodies?
This is the time of year when certain players catch the eyes of coaches, teammates and reporters because of physical transformations they have undergone since last season ended on Jan. 9.

Most of the time, those changes are good news, but once in a while, they're not.

One player the Browns have been casting in a positive light along these lines is center Nick Harris, a fifth-round pick in 2020. Harris is positioned to succeed Tretter as the starter in the middle of the offensive line, but Harris will need to hold off free-agent acquisition Ethan Pocic.

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story...n-winfrey-cade-york-practice/9840837002/

Breaking: Baker Mayfield Makes Decision On Browns Camp

ANDREW HOLLERANMAY 23, 2022


The Cleveland Browns are set to hold OTAs later this week. Baker Mayfield is not going to be in attendance.

The former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick, who remains on the trading block following the blockbuster Deshaun Watson acquisition, has reportedly decided to skip OTAs.

ESPN's NFL insider, Adam Schefter, first reported the news.

"Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield will not be attending the Browns’ voluntary OTA’s that open Tuesday, as expected," he reports.

Mayfield has been linked to teams like the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.

However, there has been little reported trade interest in the former Oklahoma Sooners star.

Perhaps a dark horse contender will eventually emerge.


https://thespun.com/nfl/breaking-baker-mayfield-makes-decision-on-browns-camp

I do want to add this and it is coming from a Baker "hater."

Agreed Frank. No one is surprised. Totally expected.

I do want to add this and it is coming from a Baker "hater." I don't know who is advising him, but the moves they made starting from the apology letter, the trade demand, the podcast and all the horrible comments that it involved about teammates, coaching, etc, the refusal to report to voluntary camps......I can't imagine a more damning stand to take, especially w/the talk out there of issues in the locker room.

I like redemption stories and would like to see him be the best he could be. That would be an uplifting story. Kinda like the Chris Carter story, albeit for different demons. I just think he and/or his camp are doing a terrible job of handling this situation and I think it's hurting his stock in the eyes of other teams.

How much do you think his recovery from his injury is playing a part in not attending? If he isn't cleared to practice wouldn't he be nothing more than a distraction?

A rare football question... my uncertain recollection of Watson in the Houston offense is that he was in the shotgun a lot. Maybe more than being under center. Stefanski's offense, until now, has the QB to get under center often. Likely to sell play-action more effectively. What's the opinion among dawg-talkers? Will we see more shotgun or will DW have to adjust to more snaps under center? How might shotgun affect the wide-zone?

...he’s been incredibly impressive throwing the ball from the pocket, too, both from under center or the shotgun. Watson has thrived in the play-action passing game in particular: On plays that include a run fake, he’s completed 67.4 percent of his passes at 8.8 yards per attempt with a league-high six touchdowns and just one pick on those plays, registering a 124.7 passer rating (fifth) per Pro Football Focus. (Compared with a respectable 87.7 passer rating, with six touchdowns and three interceptions at 6.8 yards per attempt, on non-play-action plays.) It’s no wonder, then, why the Texans run play-action the fourth most often (26.9 percent) leaguewide; Watson has done an excellent job using the threat of a handoff to move defenders and drop passes in behind the defense.

https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/10/13/16467512/deshaun-watson-houston-texans-offense

If I'm Baker, I'm putting in the absolute minimum to get my 18m or until I'm on a new team. But if DW can't go for whatever and I get the nod, then I'm playing for my next job, not the Browns.

You might not care, but it's good football conversation. Better than the bickering that ruins most threads and was on the verge of happening.

Nice post, Fate. I read your post after I tried to answer guard's questions. Looks like we see it pretty much the same way.

If I'm Baker, I'm putting in the absolute minimum to get my 18m or until I'm on a new team. But if DW can't go for whatever and I get the nod, then I'm playing for my next job, not the Browns.

I don't think the injury has anything to do w/it. I think that the disconnect between the Browns and Baker is the reason. I want to add that I was not bad-mouthing Baker in my above commentary. I have been consistent on what he should be doing in order to improve his image across the league.

All one can ask or expect. I don't expect Baker to be a happy camper, and I don't expect him to make a fuss. If asked or needed to play, I expect for him to play to the best of his ability. Not for the team, as you say, for himself and his next job.

Teams may conduct a maximum of 10 OTA practices. The Browns' first one will be held Tuesday, with their first one open to the media taking place Wednesday. They'll wrap up their first week of OTAs Thursday.

All concerns of fines go away as soon as the team grants him permission, or directs him, to stay home.
It won't be an issue.

The Browns had hoped some team would want Mayfield, but they were also always prepared to play the long game and wait for some team to need Mayfield. Whether that need arises in mid-June, late August or into the season remains to be seen.

Internally, the Mayfield situation is not a pressing issue. Mayfield is not going to play for the Browns again, so there’s no void in the quarterback room during meetings or positional workouts. If the Browns have to excuse Mayfield from mandatory minicamp in June or the start of training camp in July, it will make for a bunch of headlines. But in reality, it will be handled in 30 seconds of phone calls and paperwork.


https://theathletic.com/3279841/2022/05/05/baker-mayfield-browns-roster-draft/

Hopefully, we will get some news on how things look at OTAs today. I'm starved for some football news and it's only March.

j/c...

I agree, but the NFL isn't going to do us any favors.

That isn't to say they are going to dilly dally to put us in a jam.

With it looking like we will have no QB, he will be our MVP. And the cycle continues.

I don't think Brissett can be a top 15 qb, but I do think he won't turn the ball over as much as Baker so we won't have to limit our scheme as much and I also think he will handle himself in a far more responsible and professional manner than Baker did.

I mean, if you really want and need to lie to yourself and believe that Brisset is better than Baker, and the team is better off with Brisset , then go for it, but it still doesn't make it true.

Dude, you are slinging some deep crap right now, lol

Brisset is hot garbage. His ceiling is Baker's floor and I don't even see how anything contrary is remotely defensible.

I mean, if you really want and need to lie to yourself and believe that Brisset is better than Baker, and the team is better off with Brisset , then go for it, but it still doesn't make it true.


Also, I propose that Brisset be referred to as Basset because we're Dawgs, but he's about as ferocious as a Basset Hound.

I don't think Brissett can be a top 15 qb, but I do think he won't turn the ball over as much as Baker so we won't have to limit our scheme as much and I also think he will handle himself in a far more responsible and professional manner than Baker did.

Okay, and I will absolutely call you out on when you are absolutely wrong. I did not say or imply that JB was a better QB than Baker. You are just absolutely butt hurt that Baker absolutely is on his way out of town.

but in the end, the Browns are choosing Jacoby over Baker.

There’s a Baker bickering session in every thread now?

I propose we refer to Brissett as Basset

j/c:

Mark Twain had a very famous saying about what's going on here.

" I wouldn't want to join any club that would have 'me' as a member."

Feel free to disagree with people as much as you want. That's what we do here, despite you claiming it is a personal attack when people do it with you.

And, nope, I don't care that Baker is on his way out. I'm annoyed with this franchise in How they did it, and with Whom they chose for it, but in the end he's just another QB in the carousel, just like Basset and Watson will be. And, you absolutely, most definitely made the insinuation that Basset is better and anyone that knows anything about anything knows there is no way that holds any water at all.

Honestly - I don't think Baker's character is without fault. There are a few things he's done that most fans would prefer he had reeled his neck in - The Duke Johnson comments, the Hue stare down, recently talking about his feelings and players more interested in their paycheck than winning, publicly seeking a trade ... none of that is good. But compared to the new guy - it's better. DW publicly sought a trade because he simply didn't get to have input on a new HC. He has 24 women alleging sexual misconduct or abuse. He paid off a "Spa" owner - who was supplying these women. He's got a minimum of 66 different women lined up over a period of 17 months. Instead of just finding consensual willing Happy Endings - there's clearly a pattern, at one point at least, of wanting to coerce or manipulate the situation. We have a police officer in charge of the investigation who says the TEAM who worked the case all felt crimes were committed.

So Baker isn't squeaky clean by any stretch. But he's a choir boy in comparison. Ironically some are brutally hard on Baker - but give DW an absolute free pass. Shocker.

Watson can't hold a candle to Mayfield....And yes, Character matters to me.

Neither are examples of 'exemplary character'. Watson will need to really apply himself to turning things around here. And also: fans have very short memories.

Neither are examples of 'exemplary character'. Watson will need to really apply himself to turning things around here. And also: fans have very short memories.

Well, it looks like he was talking to himself. That's a red flag.

The press asked good questions. As the tweet shared by Grateful mentions, the biggest waffle and non-answer came when asked about the revelation that DW had offered to settle when Miami was looking to trade for him. (I think that is when he is supposed to have offered to settle). It sort of/seems to contradict some of the things DW said in the first interview - and his answer appeared to me along the lines of "Oh yeah, well that was then, this is now. That was Miami and a different legal team, and this is now" .... I think DW is in a tremendously difficult place to answer questions. And it is all well and good to be forthright in your convictions - in many ways he has to be. But in the face of the newer findings - the number of women, the pay off to the Spa Manager who was sourcing some of these women - sticking by the "I've never disrespected a woman" sounds hollow at best. Just how I see it - but I listened while working so maybe I missed some connotation.

Good grief! "The press asked good questions". There was not one football question asked.

You have an agenda to see this team fail. There is NO doubt of that in my mind.

Good grief! "The press asked good questions". There was not one football question asked.

I'd really like to know who actually thinks their character is perfect. Other than the arbiter of all things Dawg Talk that is.

I don't want to get in the middle between you and Vers, but you nailed it... regardless of what anyone thinks of Baker, he worked his butt off, brought respectability to this franchise for the first time since it's rebirth.

The way the team handled this was pure trash. Absolute TRASH!

I think we all know that Watson is probably a better QB than Baker in so many areas.. But for me, character still matters,, Clearly, if it comes to a battle of character, Watson can't hold a candle to Mayfield....

And yes, Character matters to me.

5 things to watch at Browns OTAs

The Browns kicked off OTAs Tuesday and will be holding practices in each of the next three weeks leading to mandatory minicamp
May 24, 2022 at 05:04 PM

Anthony Poisal
Staff Writer


052422_OTAs
The offseason program took another step Tuesday as the Browns took the practice field for the start of Phase Three — the period where teams can run organized team activities and hold drills that more closely resemble a full team practice.

The Browns won't quite have a "full" team, though, because OTAs are voluntary. They won't have a full roster at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus until June 14, when the three-day period of mandatory minicamp begins, but a decent chunk of the team is still in Cleveland now to start laying groundwork for 2022.

Here's some of the things worth keeping an eye on in Berea over the next three weeks:

1. How the offense will adapt with Watson

This will be one of the big storylines discussed all the way until Week 1. Prepare to hear plenty of chatter about it throughout the next several weeks, in particular, since OTAs will present the Browns with their first chance to use Watson in a team practice setting.

The Browns could be making several changes to their offense with Watson now under center, or they could deviate very little from the play styles Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has used in his first two years in Cleveland. The Browns have said they'll wait to see Watson practice first before those decisions are official, and now they'll have the next four weeks to finally formulate those plans.

Photos: OTAs - Day 1
Check out photos of players and coaches working throughout the offseason





2. Bell's slot usage


Plenty of focus will be on Bell regardless of where he lines up — the third-round rookie WR has an opportunity to carve an immediate role in a receiver room with lots of spaces open behind Amari Cooper.

The slot position could be Bell's fastest way of climbing the depth chart and taking a big target load as a rookie. The Browns figure to give Bell plenty of reps from that spot between now and training camp, and if the sure-handed receiver can make them count, he could be a top receiving option as early as Week 1.

3. Emerson's slot usage

Both slot positions on the Browns are open, and both could be captured by rookies. The defensive slot role is open, too, after they traded Troy Hill to the Rams, and the Browns' replacement for it could've been made a day before the trade when the they selected Martin Emerson Jr. with the 68th overall pick.

Emerson certainly doesn't have to start his career at the position, though. The Browns have depth at corner and could turn to Greg Newsome II, who played inside on occasion last year, or another one of the guys in the room to be the slot man. But if the Browns believe it could be Emerson, then they could give him a large share of snaps at the position in OTAs.

4. Where does Winfrey start?

The Browns' DT rotation is wide open. Both starters from last season have departed, and the Browns' two biggest additions at the position have been free-agent acquisition Taven Bryan and fourth-round pick Perrion Winfrey, whom some draft analysts believed could've been an early Day 2 pick.

No position battles will be decided in OTAs, but a good first impression from Winfrey could go a long way toward carving a big role as a rookie, whether that comes early in the season or later. He had 5.5 sacks last season at Oklahoma and could become a talented pass rusher in the interior with some more fine-tuning.


5. Other rookie standouts

Third-round rookie DE Alex Wright will be one to watch, too, as are any kicks from fourth-round K Cade York. Wright will be vying for a role in the defensive end rotation, while York is the lone kicker on the roster and will be an intriguing watch throughout all minicamp and training camp practices.

Fifth-round RB Jerome Ford, sixth-round WR Michael Woods II and seventh-round picks DE Isaiah Thomas and C Dawson Deaton will be worth watching as well and will be competing for roles on a roster packed with talent and depth. Another name worth watching could be undrafted WR Isaiah Weston, who impressed in rookie minicamp and is at a position with some of the most openings of any spot on the roster.


https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/5-things-to-watch-at-browns-otas

5 takeaways from Browns mandatory minicamp


After three days of practice, the Browns will have a six-week break until they’re back in Cleveland
Jun 17, 2022 at 08:00 AM

Anthony Poisal
Staff Writer


061622_5Things
The Browns concluded their mandatory minicamp Thursday with a practice at FirstEnergy Stadium, the third and final tune-up of the week and last the team will have until training camp begins in late July.

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski kept the three practices light for the Browns, who visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday and practiced only once at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus this week. Still, the week was productive and gave us a peek into how some players have progressed throughout the offseason program, as well as other plans the Browns could have in store for 2022.

Here's five takeaways from minicamp:

Team-bonding will pay dividends during season

Stefanski stressed throughout the offseason program that team-bonding was one of, if not perhaps the biggest priority the Browns were looking to achieve with players back in Cleveland under a setting free of pandemic restrictions.

The Browns coordinated two trips to venues away from CrossCountry Mortgage Campus during the program. The first was a visit to the Cavaliers' team facility, where players took shots instead of practicing on the 10th day of OTAs. The second was the Hall of Fame visit, which followed a light 30-minute practice at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

During two of the weekends, QB Deshaun Watson also took the offense on a trip to the Bahamas, and Myles Garrett took the defense on a trip to Miami.

"To be a great team, you have to have that camaraderie," LB Anthony Walker said Wednesday. "You have to have that team mindset because when you go through the dark days — sometimes when you lose — or the dog days of camp, the dog days of this grind, minicamp, and everything like that, you need that team brotherhood and team bond to bring the team together."


Stefanski couldn't implement the same type of relaxed, social-friendly and in-person measures to create team-bonding opportunities his first two seasons as head coach. The activities this offseason, though, clearly had a positive effect on the team as minicamp concluded. Players constantly appeared to be exchanging jokes on the field, and as the final round of interviews concluded Thursday at FirstEnergy Stadium, a few players popped into the scrums to ask their own questions.

D'Ernest Johnson asked Jadeveon Clowney what his goals were this season, to which Clowney replied getting more sacks and tackles for a loss. WR Amari Cooper poked in later, asking if Clowney would come to his birthday party. Clowney chuckled and said he would if he didn't have a football camp on the same day.

It was a fitting scene to end a minicamp built to be enjoyable for the players.

"I think the guys had fun," Stefanski said. "They had fun competing and pushing each other, but I think ultimately we got a lot of work done but we did it in a safe manner."







Offensive groundwork has been laid, but it isn't finished

Most of the Browns were looking to accomplish in minicamp was about the passing game. With three new quarterbacks and 12 padless practices over the course of the offseason program, that philosophy made plenty of sense.

The Browns will likely install several new wrinkles in their offense now that Deshaun Watson is the quarterback. For the last two seasons, Stefanski prefaced the offense on a heavy run game with several play-action passing plays, and while those principles might not change, the Browns do have more room to be flexible with a mobile, strong-armed quarterback like Watson.


Add in the fact that the Browns, who led the league in 13-personnel usage (1 RB, 3 TEs) the last two seasons, no longer have TE Austin Hooper, and it's safe to assume the Browns will spend much of time leading up to Week 1 retooling an offense to fit the strengths of all players on the offense.

"We do want to become masters of the offense by the time Week 1 rolls around," Stefanski said. "It's a process. You can't just plug something into the back of your head and get it. You have to work at it and spend some time with it."

Young players were the core focus

The Browns shuffled several younger players through first-team reps during minicamp and the offseason program. Jacob Phillips was playing first-team MIKE linebacker. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Anthony Schwartz and David Bell were also rotated at wide receiver. Third-round rookie CB Martin Emerson Jr. had a handful of reps on first-team defense. Those were among the most notable, but others were given looks on the top units, too.

The Browns know what they have on most of the roster because they have so many core players who have been here for both of Stefanski's seasons. So, with only a finite amount of reps before training camp, minicamp provided the coaches an optimal time to evaluate the younger talent with an even greater focus in this particular minicamp.

"We have a lot of young guys who we are excited about," Stefanski said. "There is so much that goes into it. There is so much from a meeting standpoint. There is so much from the workouts and being out here in practice. We throw a lot at them. It is hard for me to single one guy out, but we are really excited about the young guys. It is as much to do with what they can bring on the field with off the field."

David Bell's hands were in midseason form

Speaking of young players, Bell, the third-round rookie WR from Purdue, went weeks without dropping a pass in practice.


He was asked Wednesday in his media interview if he's actually dropped a pass at all during the offseason program. He said he has, but it came back during the Browns' first or second OTA practice. That's impressive stuff for a rookie who has taken a considerable chunk of the throwing reps the last month.

"I'm real hard on myself," Bell said. "I think the first few days wasn't what I projected it would be. It was just a matter of getting on my feet and getting an understanding of the plays, but I think each and every day, I progress."

Bell has primarily been used in the slot role throughout the offseason program but will receive plenty of reps on the outside in training camp. The Browns are looking for several receivers to step up behind Cooper, and Bell — as well as Schwartz and Peoples-Jones — will likely be the top candidates the Browns count on.

"He wants to be good at this so you see him working," Stefanski said. "He is the guy who gets extra. He will be in the facility at all hours working really hard with coach (pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach Chad) O'Shea to refine the game. He's a rookie, so he has plenty of room to grow and will have time to do that, but he's doing a nice job."

Clowney expects bigger, better things in Year 2 because of who's behind him

We're ending this list with one final note from the defensive side of the ball.

The Browns will have two of the game's best pass rushers for the second consecutive year in Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, who re-signed with the Browns in May and will look to stack an even better season than his first in Cleveland last year. Clowney totaled nine sacks, his best since 2018, and thrived as offenses had to decide whether to stack blockers against him or Garrett, who finished with a franchise-record 16 sacks.

The duo produced 25 total sacks, the highest combined sack total by Browns teammates, since Reggie Camp (14) and Clay Matthews (12) had 26 in 1984.


It's reasonable to believe the duo could be even better in 2022. Clowney explained why Thursday, but his explanation wasn't about Garrett — he knows he'll help him already — but rather the continuity at linebacker.

Anthony Walker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Sione Takitaki and Jacob Phillips all appear to be in line to carry the biggest roles at the position. Clowney played with all of them, and he believes that chemistry will help him produce even more in 2022.

"Everybody's back," he said. "I already know how (Walker) feels and what he likes to do, and that makes it easy on myself. I can look back there and don't even have to ask. I already know how he does. That's what will make it a lot better, playing with the same guys again instead of bouncing around and trying to figure out new guys."

https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/5-takeaways-from-browns-mandatory-minicamp

Health is vital in the NFL, Ward and Williams being healthy for training camp is great news going into the weekend.

I wonder how Conklin is progressing?