3 takeaways from the Cleveland Browns Orange and Brown Scrimmage
By Joel W. Cade
As consistent with this time of training camp, the defense is a work in progress.
Given there were no pads, it is difficult to make an assessment of the defensive line. Danny Shelton is the clear anchor at nose tackle. He was able to make plays at the line of scrimmage against the zone scheme on Saturday, which is something he could not do last year. The other positions look to be up for grabs as there was not one player who stood out above the rest. It should be interesting to see how this develops over the rest of the camp.
The secondary definitely has room for improvement. Minus Joe Haden, the secondary looked vulnerable at the scrimmage. Charles Gaines and Justin Gilbert took most of the reps with the first defense. Early in the scrimmage both looked good, but after halftime Gilbert’s game went downhill. Although he should be given credit for having the confidence to go for an interception at one point, he unfortunately missed. But the willingness to take a chance is a good sign.
If there is a standout performer on defense at the scrimmage it was Christian Kirksey. Kirksey made outstanding plays over the middle and against running backs out of the backfield. He looks faster than in years past. He has always done well in coverage, but he has now added an element of intensity when it comes to the run game. He could be a surprise player for the Browns this fall.
Next: Hue Jackson very close to naming QB1
The Browns will be back on practice on Monday at 3:15 p.m. The full training camp schedule for future training camp sessions can be found here, and free general admission tickets can be reserved here.