Mandatory OTA’s start today and I’m here for it. More access to the local media means more pictures and video on social media. It also means more player and coaches interviews. The complete defensive line will be at practice for the first time this year. Again, I’m here for all the videos. This will be the last time the team is together until July 22, when the team heads to West Virginia for the start of training camp. No media will be allowed there. Enjoy the next three days of OTA porn.
After watching the images from the voluntary OTA’s, it appears quarterback Deshaun Watson is throwing the ball very well, but right now it’s against air. New defensive end Za’Darius Smith is a very, very big man. He and Ogbo Okoronkwo will allow new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to give Myles Garrett needed rest during games to keep him fresh later in games. Wide receivers Marquise Goodwin and Elijah Moore look like they’re ready to go and on the same wavelength as Watson.
Speaking of wide receivers, Deandre Hopkins is still unsigned which is no surprise. If the reports are true, he wants OBJ money, he’ll stay unsigned for a while. All the teams who are interested, don’t have the salary cap space right now. Could the Browns sign him? Sure, if they want to. According to https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space the Browns currently have $14.8 million in cap space. The longer he goes unsigned, the better the probability the Browns could sign him. It would be an incentive loaded one year deal. Personally, I think he’s a luxury for this team. Browns GM Andrew Berry usually keeps six wide receivers on the final roster, right now there’s no room.
Finally, there was a rash of Browns players getting robbed over the weekend. Two are known, Greg Newsome and Demetric Felton and a third player is unknown. Felton had his car stolen and Newsome was car jacked at gun point. This is very concerning, especially with team events ending after the mandatory OTA’s. Hopefully, the Browns head of security will have a conversation with the team about knowing their surroundings and keeping their heads on a swivel. Sounds like the players are being targeted. Here’s hoping the players will be smart prior to the start of training camp. Stay safe and Go Browns.