Starting tomorrow, the last of the off-season programs begins, mandatory minicamp. After Thursday, the team won’t convene again until they head to West Virginia. I expect there to be 100% participation, but if someone is missing, we’ll find out Tuesday. They more than likely would be excused. I expect there will be holdouts at two of the other AFC North teams, Cincinnati and Pittsburg. In Cincinnati, both Trey Hendrickson and Tee Higgins will likely not be there and in Pittsburg Cam Heyward might be missing. All are seeking new contracts. It’s a good time to be a Browns fan.
I’m going to pay close attention to the videos of all three phases of the game, offense, defense and special teams. On offense I want to see if there’s more pre snap movement, how the quarterbacks, especially Deshaun Watson, are throwing to new WR Jerry Jeudy and how the tight ends and running backs are lining up. On defense, I’m curious to see where the defensive linemen line up and who’s running with the starters. I also want to see which linebackers run with the starters and how Devin Bush will be used. With special teams, because of the new kickoff rules, I want to see if the team will be using a designated kicker for kickoffs. In Kansas City, the Chiefs are using a safety to make kickoffs. Might not be a bad idea for the Browns to do the same. No one wants to see Dustin Hopkins get hurt again. The last videos I saw last week of kickoff practice, there were defensive ends, Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright being used.
As for the coaches, I’m really interested in seeing where consultant Mike Vrabel helps out. So far, he’s been with the linebackers and special teams. We’ll get some idea how new offensive line coaches Andy Dickerson and Roy Istvan plan on using one the strengths of this team. Dickerson came highly recommended by previous offensive line coach Bill Callahan and Istvan has other 30 years of coaching experience. He was last with the Eagles who basically run the same offensive line calls as the Browns. I hope new running backs coach Duce Staley or new defensive line coach Jacques Cesarie are wearing microphones. Friery is an understatement.
All in all, I hope for no injuries and a quiet period between Thursday and the start of training camp. We’re 90 days away from week one. Stay safe and Go Browns.