5 areas to watch during Browns first preseason game
By Mark Riley
Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris (37) defends as Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Lenz (11) makes a catch during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Finally, the Browns have a training camp all star every year, usually a guy who flashes greatness in shorts and helmets, and them goes on to complete obscurity once the lights come on and the hitting is real. (Remember Ben Gay?)
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
It is possible that this year that player could be wide receiver Josh Lenz, formerly of the Colt, Bears and Seahawks. The 6-foot 195-pound Lenz is quick, posting a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, and has caught everything thrown at him during camp. Putting Lenz in the mix makes the Terrelle Pryor experiment a tougher decision, although Pryor’s size, speed and hands give him a distinct advantage. Lenz will be worth a close watch in the preseason, especially when the second and third teams are on the field. He should be the recipient of numerous passes from Conner Shaw and Thaddeus Lewis.
In truth, it is unlikely that Lenz will make the team, although he may be placed on the practice squad or used to run back kicks or punts, should Travis Benjamin or Justin Gilbert fail in those areas.
All in all, there are a number of vitally important players that must contribute in gigantic fashion for the Browns this season. In all of these cases, the players I’ve mentioned must develop as hoped, avoid injury, and perform flawlessly for the Browns to have the success we are all hoping for.