Franchise Saviour Returns: Browns Banking on Star QB’s Redemption

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter shares her observations from the Cleveland Browns’ training camp.

Quarterback Progress

Deshaun Watson has made a successful recovery from his 2023 shoulder surgery, participating in all practice drills except for scheduled rest days. Coach praised Watson’s “multitude of throws” and arm strength, stating that his accuracy has returned to its previous level. This bodes well for the Browns’ offensive rebuild, which aims to maximize Watson’s skills in RPOs and drop-back passing.

Rookie Watch

Although the Browns didn’t pick until the second round and didn’t select a skill player until Round 4, defensive tackle Mike Hall is expected to make an impact. With the team’s depth at defensive line, Hall will likely carve out a role in DC Jim Schwartz’s rotation, particularly on third-down rushing opportunities.

Injury Concerns

The health of the Browns’ defensive front is a pressing concern. During my visit, multiple players went down in team drills, including edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was carted off with a knee injury. While Smith is expected to be available for the season, the cumulative effect of these injuries could impact the team’s explosiveness and ultimately their chances of winning the division for the first time in 35 years.

Fantasy Outlook

Amari Cooper’s career-high 1,250 receiving yards last year, achieved with four different quarterbacks, is a testament to his skill and durability. Now healthier than he was in Dallas, Cooper is confident in his ability to continue dominating, even as he enters his 30s. With seven 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, there’s no reason to doubt him.

Noteworthy Observations

The Browns’ new weight room and training facility, unveiled on Monday, features an impressive walkthrough space. This area allows the team to project game film or opponent alignments onto two 25-yard-wide screens, facilitating more kinesthetic learning and potentially reducing sitting time.

Offensive Approach

It’s difficult to predict exactly what the Browns’ offense will look like under head coach and offensive coordinator. However, one thing is clear: they won’t be relying on repetitive, vanilla plays. The team is expected to employ a high-volume playbook with diverse game plans tailored to exploit scheme and matchup advantages, leading to a potentially higher-tempo system than last year.

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