3 questions the Browns must answer during training camp: Film Review

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns roster is loaded from top to bottom with very few glaring weaknesses. As I watched them practice during their three-day minicamp in June, their speed, explosiveness and experience clearly stands out.

It starts with the Cleveland defense; Jim Schwartz will enter his second season leading arguably the best NFL defense that returns all of its key players. Not only are the top guys all back, but Andrew Berry has also added depth and experience to all three levels.

On offense, quarterback Deshaun Watson looks to be on track for a full recovery from his shoulder injury. Nick Chubb was at camp and should return at some point during the upcoming season. Ken Dorsey was added as the new offensive coordinator and looks to be a solid scheme match with head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Though similar in scheme, Dorsey will add pre-snap motion, shifts and movement that should make the picture very clear and understandable for Watson and the offense. Andy Dickerson is detailed, energetic, and consistent as he looks to replace offensive line legend Bill Callahan. The former Seahawks offensive line coach and coordinator, who spent time with Rams head coach Sean McVay, will also add some spark and new ideas to the Cleveland scheme.

With all that being said, there are some concerns that must be addressed as the Browns get ready for their 2024 training camp.

Here are three questions that Stefanski and his staff must answer before their September 8th opener against the Dallas Cowboys:

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1. Is their enough talent, experience, and depth at the receiver position?

Amari Cooper, who did not participate in mandatory minicamp, had 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns last season. Newly acquired Jerry Jeudy had 54 receptions for 758 yards and two TDs. The former Alabama star has all the physical skills needed to be an elite receiver but has yet to live up to that first round potential. Cleveland has paid Jeudy as if they believe he will become a top-flight, No. 2 receiver for Watson.

Elijah Moore could flourish as a No. 3 receiver in the slot if both Cooper and Jeudy are playing at a high level. His ability to attack linebackers and safeties in the slot would be a great option for Watson. Cedric Tillman, David Bell, and Michael Woods II all looked solid, but are not elite receivers at this point in their careers.

Bottom line, after Cooper, there are unproven guys that either need to meet their potential or need continued development. In a season with high expectations, having only one proven receiver – who is currently holding out for a new contract – is a scary reality for Cleveland. I look for the Browns to continue to try and acquire another veteran receiver to help Cooper and Watson.

Jeudy, Moore, and Tillman are three receivers that should have an increased role this fall.

2. How can Dawand Jones not be a starter at either tackle spot?

As I watch Dawand Jones practice, Stefanski, Dorsey, and Dickerson could be faced with a very tough decision. After last year’s performance, the former Ohio State star looks like a guy who could anchor the Cleveland offensive line for the next decade. If that is the case, does Jack Conklin or Jedrick Wills Jr. become the odd man out?

Conklin, who signed a four-year, $60 million extension in 2022, has trouble staying healthy. However, when available, Conklin has played at a very high, consistent level for Cleveland. Wills, a former first-round pick from Alabama, enters the fifth year of his rookie contract and has shown glimpses of excellence, but is inconsistent in his pass protection along with his run blocking.

For me, this will be the most interesting position battle during training camp. That battle, however, may be more about Conklin and Wills more than Jones.

Jones will continue to improve under new coach Andy Dickerson. Below is a clip that demonstrates the attention to detail of the Browns new offensive line coach. Jones will work “heavy inside hand” pressure with left hand and finishing through the block.

3. Will Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush be the answer at linebacker?

The only true question mark on defense is the depth at linebacker after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Since Sione Takitaki took his 66 total tackles, two sacks, and three tackle for a loss to the New England Patriots, the Browns brought in nine-year veteran Jordan Hicks who totaled 107 tackles for the Minnesota Vikings last year. Hicks also adds the leadership needed from the inside linebacker position.

Then Cleveland rolled the dice on former rookie star Devin Bush. In that 2019 rookie season with the Steelers, Bush had 109 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, four forced fumbles, and six defended passes. Unfortunately, in year two, the former Michigan star suffered an ACL tear that seemed to halt his career.

Last season in Seattle, Bush totaled just 37 total tackles in 13 games with the Seahawks. If healthy and motivated, the former first-round pick could be a steal for the Browns organization.

Hicks, who is a great leader, demonstrated better athleticism than previously reported during mandatory minicamp.

Devin Bush’s greatest skill is his ability to run and pursue to the ball carrier.

What we learned

Simply making the playoffs is not the expectation for the Cleveland Browns in 2024. The roster is loaded from top to bottom at almost every position. However, there are still a few questions that need to be answered: depth and production at receiver, finding a way to get Jones on the field, and providing help to Owusu-Koramoah at the linebacker position are three concerns that will be addressed during training camp.