Cleveland Browns: Training camp Day 7 recap

The Cleveland Browns may have found an offensive threat in Corey Coleman, plus other observations from Friday’s training camp practice.

A full seven days of Cleveland Browns training camp have been completed, and there is a lot for the team to feel good about. The last two days of training camp have especially united the organization, and Friday tested the players’ adaptability.

“What I saw over the last couple of days was a team that’s becoming a team, guys that are competing extremely hard,” head coach Hue Jackson said. “We have got some guys that can make some plays on offense, defense and I believe on special teams. I just think we’ve got to keep growing.”

Overall, there is a lot of optimism surrounding the training facility in Berea, and for good reason. However, like any other training camp, there are still minor points to emphasize in improving the roster and getting the players used to the new scheme.

Related: What to watch for at the Orange & Brown Scrimmage

Jackson highlighted the running game, which to many appears non-existent. Although Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson are making strides personally, the running backs just don’t seem very involved early on in camp.

“We play in the AFC North. There are some really good defensive football teams,” Jackson said. “They’re not going to just let you walk out there and just walk up and down the field. We have got to become a gritty group up front. We have got to find a way to make the run game go, and we will.”

“He’s doing an excellent job. He’s going to do well for us this year.” – Tramon Williams on Corey Coleman

Though Jackson did credit the defensive front for being physical and shutting down both Crowell and Johnson, the simple truth is that the Browns need to work on their rushing offense a great deal in the next six practices preceding the preseason opener.

Overall, there were “too many misalignments” for Jackson’s liking offensively. Still, the head coach noted his satisfaction with the ball security all around on offense, despite the defense’s relentless attempts to force turnovers.

For the Browns in 2016, so much of the optimism has been the combination on offense of ball security and big plays. Both are unique to Cleveland offenses in recent history, but it now seems that the Browns have both the capability to convert on a long scoring play, as well as avoid costly turnovers that have plagued the offense numerous instances in the past.

As for the defense, it’s still a work in progress. But the common denominator is the aggressiveness every player within the unit brings to practice every day. The secondary may still be a bit shaky, and there are questions on the defensive line as to who will start. But overall, Jackson has reiterated constantly his confidence and trust in defensive coordinator Ray Horton. If Horton can get this defense in line, the Browns could be dangerous on both sides of the ball.

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“He’s not doing anything that I’m surprised of,” Jackson said. “.He’s a tremendously talented young man. He’s got some growing to do so there are some things that he’s got to clean up and continue to get better at. He always finds a way to make a play. That’s what you’re looking for in a guy that has the opportunity to score the football like he does.”

The main takeaway following Friday was the spectacular flashes rookie receiver Corey Coleman displayed, converting on several deep passes thrown by quarterback Robert Griffin III. Though Coleman’s skill surprised few within the Cleveland organization, it was promising to witness the consistency and competitiveness Coleman exhibited, revealing his true professional nature.

Many were awe-struck while the first-round draft pick put on a show, but Jackson worked hard to cool the expectations surrounding Coleman.

As for Coleman, the young player remains determined to improve, and proud of the teams’ work ethic.

“I try to come in here, know what I have to do and practice on a level that I know I can practice on,” Coleman said. “Really just show the coaches that I can come in and play as a rookie.”

Despite Coleman’s monster day, there is little time for him or any of the other players to ponder Friday’s scrimmage as one of the biggest events thus far in training camp occurs today as the Browns will suit up for the Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

Dawg Pound Drive, which is filled with family friendly activities opens at noon, while the Orange and Brown Scrimmage kicks off at 3 p.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m. The Browns website is streaming the event live for fans who cannot attend.

Next: Browns roster turnover highest in AFC North

The Browns will be off on Sunday and return to practice on Monday at 3:15 p.m. as they prepare for Friday’s preseason opener in Green Bay. A full schedule can be found here, and free tickets can be found here.