The Cleveland Browns are in their second week of training camp and here is what I’ve heard. The national media is trying to make the quarterback competition more than it really is. I’ve been told it’s a competition between two average quarterbacks so far. Deshaun Watson is making the same mistakes over and over and Sheduer Sanders is making fewer mistakes than Watson. Watson’s errors are happening post-snap and Sander’s errors are happening pre-snap. Not very encouraging. I’ve had more than one person tell me Watson looks like the same player who started 1-7 before getting hurt in 2024. Sander’s is still holding on to the ball too long. Thank goodness the Browns aren’t counting sacks.
It’s starting to be reported that right now Dillon Gabriel is having the best camp of the three quarterbacks. He gets the offense lined up faster than Sanders and is throwing the ball quicker than Watson. This is not to suggest Gabriel is going to be the Browns starting in 2026, but according to coach Monken, he’s earning more reps. So who gets reps taken away? We’ll find out soon. Gabriel just needs confidence. He was thrown to the wolves last year and never looked comfortable. Just remember last year he played behind the same offensive line and the same lack of talent at the skill positions that Flacco and Sanders had in 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins and Isaiah Bond look great so far. Judkins is showing the burst and speed we all expected last year. Bond has put on ten pounds of muscle, and it shows. Denzel Boston and K.C. Concepcion have so far instantly upgraded the wide receiver room, but remember, they’re rookies. Harold Fannin is catching everything. Rookie draft pick TE Carson Ryan is impressing the coaching staff.
The offensive line looked bad their first day in pads, but the Browns defensive line is excellent. The OL will settle down once they find their right guard and center. Hopefully it will be soon, these guys have to have time to jell.
On defense, cornerback Denzel Ward hasn’t allowed a completion. DE Jared Verse is better than advertised. Mason Graham and Mike Hall are spending most of their time in the offensive backfield. LB Quincy Williams is the real deal. Rookie undrafted cornerback Michael Coats is also looking good; he’s getting more comfortable every day. I’m still concerned about the depth at defensive line, linebacker and cornerback, some veteran help would be helpful. Stay safe and Go Browns.