Cleveland Browns: Observations from Day 4 of training camp
The Cleveland Browns continued to practice in pads during Day 4 of training camp Monday in Berea.
The Cleveland Browns were back on the practice field Monday afternoon for their second padded practice and second practice open to the public. The day began with Robert Griffin III as the first player on the field to warm up for practice followed by the other quarterbacks. Our own Eric Sczcepinksi was there in person to take in practice and offer up a firsthand account.
1. There is no quarterback competition.
Robert Griffin III took all the reps with the first-team offense today followed by Josh McCown with the second-team and Cody Kessler and Austin Davis splitting the reps with the third-team. Monday’s practice featured a heavy emphasis on the run game, screen game and quick passing game.
However, Griffin looked to have an understanding and command of the offense. Griffin’s best play of the day was hitting Randall Telfer on a deep route in the left corner of the end zone during the 11-on-11 portion of practice. During 11-on-11 drills, the offense practiced a few new wrinkles in the offense centering around Griffin.
The offense ran a read option pop pass play in which Griffin pulled the ball like he was running it, but threw a pop pass to the tight end. The pass was dropped, but it is the unique play calling by Hue Jackson that will give the Browns’ offense an advantage in 2016.
2. Veterans’ off-day gives younger players opportunity to impress
Key veterans such as Joe Thomas, Gary Barnidge, Paul Kruger and defensive back Tramon Williams sat out Monday’s padded practice. The day off for these players gave younger and inexperienced players reps and practice time with the first team.
Two noticeable guys were Justin Gilbert and Jamar Taylor, both playing as first-team corners with Williams resting and Joe Haden resting a minor injury. Taylor was acquired this past draft day via a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Taylor was a second-round draft choice in 2013 and fell out of the defensive back rotation with Miami. In Cleveland, Taylor looks to jump start his career much like Justin Gilbert is trying to do.
Both players looked quick and athletic and held their own in coverage, and both are on track to be in the defensive back rotation if they can continue to string together productive practices followed by preseason games.
Another noticeable player taking advantage of a resting veteran was Randall Telfer. Telfer was a sixth-round draft choice in 2015 and missed the entire season. He got reps with the first unit while starting tight end Gary Barndige took the day off.
Telfer scored on a nice throw from Griffin in the 11-on-11 portion of practice, and he shared reps with E.J Bibbs as the two battle for playing time behind Barnidge. It was a good start for Telfer as he is practically a rookie returning from injury.
3. Danny Shelton looks the part
When you see Danny Shelton for the first time this season he will look like a completely different player. Shelton has lost nearly 30 pounds from his playing weight last season and is rocking his college number, 55, once again.
Shelton looked faster and explosive during individual defensive linemen drills compared to last season. Coaches have raved about Shelton this offseason, and with a quicker first step, Shelton has the size and strength to have a productive second season. With a new-look Shelton, the Browns will have an anchor manning the front seven of their defensive front.
Next: A sense of optimism surrounding the Browns in August
Eric be at training camp Tuesday to cover practice number five. Check out the site for daily updates from Browns training camp as the team prepares for the 2016 season.