5 Tips for Browns Team During OTA Preparation
Beria, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns had a lackluster offseason performance. Due to budget constraints, their biggest move was trading for wide receiver Jerry Judy, who subsequently secured a three-year, $58 million contract extension. Additionally, the Browns re-signed many of their own free agents and made minor external acquisitions.
As a result, entering organized team activities (OTAs), the Browns’ primary focus is not on newcomers but rather on the status of various returning players, both in terms of their on-field development and their health. Here are five things the team will be monitoring as they enter the next phase of the offseason training, starting with this week’s OTAs:
1. Deshaun Watson
Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent season-ending surgery in November to repair a dislocated shoulder joint fracture. He is currently progressing, with Watson stating in April that he has been throwing full force. General Manager Andrew Berry expects Watson to be ready for the 2024 season. Watson has expressed his desire to participate in OTAs and minicamps, though he has not yet been cleared for unrestricted training. OTAs may mark Watson’s first appearance since his shoulder injury.
2. Other Injured Players
Aside from Watson, several key players for the Browns were injured during the 2023 season. Their recovery timelines vary, and many may not be ready for full participation in training. However, OTAs will provide insight into each player’s progress. Running back Nick Chubb, tight end Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills Jr., and Davante Jones, as well as quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, missed parts of the season due to injury.
3. Ken Dorsey’s Offensive Wrinkles
This spring, the Browns hired Dorsey as their offensive coordinator, replacing former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Dorsey has previously worked with quarterbacks possessing similar skill sets to Watson’s, having collaborated with Cam Newton in Carolina and Josh Allen in Buffalo. The Browns believe Dorsey’s background with quarterbacks will help shape their offense around Watson. While Cleveland’s starting quarterback may not fully participate in OTAs, the training should offer glimpses of the new schemes.
4. Impact of Jerry Judy
Judy is the Browns’ marquee offseason acquisition. Despite never achieving a 1,000-yard season in four years with the Denver Broncos, the 2020 first-round pick is expected to be a primary target in the Browns’ passing game due to his exceptional route running and agility. He will continue to develop chemistry with the team’s quarterbacks, while Cleveland’s strong secondary will provide significant challenges during spring and summer. The Browns believe Jerry Judy can make a substantial impact on their passing game.
5. Rookie Progress
The Browns only drafted six players, with their first selection not coming until the 54th overall pick, defensive end Michael Hall II from Ohio State University. These rookies experienced NFL life for the first time at rookie minicamp, which focused heavily on fundamentals. Now they will train alongside the team’s veterans, providing an opportunity to gauge their performances. Hall seems the most likely to contribute as a rookie; the team is excited about his pass-rushing ability, which could earn him playing time in the defensive line rotation.
However, the next few weeks are also crucial for third-round pick Zack Zinter. The guard’s participation in rookie minicamp marked his first football action since suffering a leg fracture in November. He expressed feeling comfortable and aims to continue regaining his form while focusing on training at multiple positions. Cleveland’s guard positions are currently held by veterans Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, but Zinter could emerge as a top backup in 2024.
