Taking a look at some of the most notable storylines surrounding the Cleveland Browns before the beginning of training camp.
The Cleveland Browns are just days away from the beginning of yet another new era and season under new head coach Hue Jackson. Many burning questions surround the team heading into a season with much uncertainty.
Jackson and new management led by Sashi Brown began to make their marks on the organization by committing to rebuilding and starting the youth movement on the roster. Under the new front office management, Brown and company believe in a similar principle to “moneyball”.
The philosophy believes in loading the roster with young talent for the right price. In order to start the roster makeover, key veteran players such as Karlos Dansby, Donte Whitner and Brian Hartline were released as the team is looking to invigorate their roster with young talent.
The new front office followed their plan to perfection by drafting 14 players in the draft following numerous trades to acquire more draft pick assets. The rookie draft class is headlined by first-round selection Corey Coleman, a playmaking wide receiver from Baylor. The Browns are set to start yet another season with a new coach and general manager in command and hopefully the organization will begin to go in the right direction.
With training camp just days away, let’s take a look at three of the top storylines to focus on once camp begins Friday.
Next: The new QB in town
The progression of Robert Griffin
The most interesting storyline to follow this training camp will be the progression and development of quarterback Robert Griffin III. Griffin signed a two-year deal in March following his fallout with the Washington Redskins. He is still just four years removed from being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft.
Griffin’s best season came in his rookie season, when he led the Redskins to the playoffs while earning Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors. Griffin was inactive for all sixteen games this past season after falling out of favor with a new coaching staff and having injury concerns.
New offensive-minded head coach Hue Jackson appears to be all in with Griffin as his quarterback for the 2016 season. Jackson has spoken highly of his new quarterback all offseason.
Griffin will open training camp with the first team offense, although Jackson is on record saying, “When it’s time to make a decision, I’ll make it, I’m being honest. It’s still way soon. I know that’s what everyone’s worried about, but I’m not. There are no games yet. I think it’s a competition, so we can just let things play themselves out.”
The key for Griffin to experience a career revival and stabilize the quarterback position for the Browns is if he can win from the pocket. Jackson will ask Griffin to stay within the construction of his offensive before looking to run.
Griffin spent time this offseason with quarterback guru Tom House. Griffin’s offseason emphasis was working through reading progressions and refining his footwork in the pocket. Another emphasis of Griffin’s was learning how to protect himself by sliding and avoid getting hit.
Hue Jackson is banking on Griffin revitalizing his career and helping him become the man to finally turn around the Browns organization. Jackson has had success with numerous other NFL quarterbacks including Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco. Now it is up to Griffin to run with the great opportunity Jackson and the Browns have given him to redeem himself as a starting quarterback once again.
Next: The top pick
Will Corey Coleman be an instant playmaker?
Under the last front office regime led by Ray Farmer, the team failed to add talented playmakers at the receiver position. Farmer elected to play smaller slot receivers instead of acquiring an outside threat. The new regime wasted no time adding a playmaker in their first draft by selecting Corey Coleman.
Coleman posted elite numbers at Baylor where he scored 20 touchdowns in 2015. Coleman’s fantastic season led him to win the Fred Biletnikoff award, giving to the nation’s top receiver.
An unnamed AFC wide receiver coach talked to NFL.com before the draft on Coleman’s ability,
"“He’s my top receiver. Now this is for what we do so he’s going to be tops for me. He can do a lot of things and I’m not worried about those simple routes because he’s got some gifts to work with. Like him a lot more than (Laquon) Treadwell or the Notre Dame guy (Will Fuller).”"
Coleman has the potential to add a new dimension to the offense the Browns haven’t seen in years. Coleman has vertical home run ability that can take the top off of any secondary. Although Coleman lacks size, standing 5-foot-10, he is aggressive and attacks the football in the air with great leaping ability on jump balls.
The only question is if Coleman can be successful running the full route tree at the next level. A majority of Coleman’s success at Baylor came off the deep ball and quick short routes like hitches, where Coleman had the ball in space.
Coleman has the speed and athletic ability to become a dynamic playmaker for the Browns. Jackson will put Coleman in favorable situations where he can be productive early in the season while he still adjusts to the speed of the NFL game. One way the Browns can utilize his ability is by getting him the ball on hitches and quick slants and in routes where Coleman can catch the ball and get in space with his elite game breaking speed.
Next: The former shutdown corner
Will Joe Haden return to shutdown corner form?
Joe Haden endured his worst professional season in 2015 with poor performances and injuries. Haden missed 11 games and the defense missed their leader and shutdown corner. Heading into 2016 with Ray Horton back as defensive coordinator Haden is in need for a bounce back season. Haden is now not only the most talented defender on the Browns but he is one of the few veteran leaders remaining on the defensive unit.
Under a new regime, key veteran players such as Haden must step up their production and leadership. On a roster with so many young players they will look to Haden for guidance. For Haden to have a bounce back season he must first and foremost stay healthy.
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Defensive coordinator Ray Horton is going to trust Haden in single man-to-man coverage and expect Haden to shut down the opposing number one receiver. If Haden can return to elite form it will open up the defense to using different coverages and pass rushes.
Although the Browns seem to be lacking with defensive playmakers, Haden will be able to hide flaws in the secondary and create opportunities for the front seven if he can be a lockdown corner once again.