While some of the camera angles aren’t the greatest, there are a few items you can observe. QB Baker Mayfield’s footwork is better and the Browns have him under center more frequently. Mayfield’s accuracy isn’t the greatest early in each session, however as each practice progresses, he gets into a good flow. The Browns are obviously using zoomed in camera angles so not to show opposing teams overall formations. Rookie center Nick Harris is holding his own verses defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson. Sometimes he wins the battle, sometimes he loses, but you can see why he was thought to be the best natural center in the draft. If he was a little bigger, he would have been drafted in the second round.
Some offensive players who stood out, tight ends Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant, wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones, KhaDarel Hodge and Taywan Taylor and running back Kareem Hunt. Austin Hooper is going to be a great security blanket for Mayfield and I don’t think Harrison Bryant has dropped a pass all training camp. Peoples-Jones is pushing WR Rashard Higgins for the third wide receiver spot and both Hodge and Taylor, who are both valuable special teams players, could force the often injured Damion Ratley off the roster. Kareem Hunt is already at game speed. Can’t wait to see how he is used in this offense. Last, FB Andy Janovich looks like he can lift a house.
On defense, rookies safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Jacob Phillips have been very impressive. LBs B.J. Goodson, Tae Davis, Montrel Meander and Willie Harvey, DE Porter Gustin and CBs Terrance Mitchell, Donovan Olumba and A.J. Green have so far stood out. Tae Davis and Willie Harvey are special teams players and Montrel Meander is a converted safety who could help with the loss of Mack Wilson. UDFA A.J. Green, who along with Terrance Mitchell, give the Browns excellent cornerback depth. Olumba is best known a special teams player, but at 6-2, 205 lbs., I could see why DC Joe Woods would like him. Porter Gustin is moving up the depth chart and could be the solution at left DE behind Olivier Vernon.
The Browns did workout eight players this week, four of them kickers. Kickers Nick Folk, Cody Parker, Kai Forbath and Matthew McCrane. linebackers Dewayne Hendrix and Sharif Finch and defensive linemen Ricky Walker and Robert Landers. Working out four kickers is interesting, however I don’s think Austin Seibert has anything to worry about. It never hurts to have film on guys you might need due to injuries during the season.
Speaking of injuries. RB Nick Chubb suffered a concussion on a hit from LB Mack Wilson and is expected back next week. Mack Wilson suffered a knee injury and is seeing “doctor doom” James Andrews for a second opinion. If you go see Dr. Andrews, you’re going to have surgery, so Wilson is probably done for the season. On Wednesday promising free agent signing CB Kevin Johnson suffered a lacerated liver at the end of practice. He’ll spend 24 hours in the hospital and there’s no time table on his return. Johnson was having a great camp so far. DE Myles Garrett is still nursing a hamstring injury, but is expected to start practicing soon, possibly today. Finally, DT Larry Ogunjobi sat out the last couple of days with a groin injury and Punter Jamie Gilliam missed yesterday with an unknown illness.
Finally, the practices have been well organized, quick and smooth. You don’t see players just standing around, a testament to the Browns new coaching staff. Unfortunately, since practicing in pads, the injuries are starting to pile up. This just means the younger players will have to step up and will get valuable practice reps. The Browns are off on Friday, so a day of rest will be welcome. Everyone enjoy the live practices and keep your fingers crossed for no more injuries. Stay safe and Go Browns.