Cleveland Browns: 4 early takeaways from opening days of OTAs
By Randy Gurzi
2. OBJ’s every move will be dissected
If there was one thing every fan had to know when the team added wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., it was that every single move he makes will be picked apart. That’s been the case from the moment the trade was announced and continues through two days of OTAs.
After being sent to the Browns, OBJ went dark on social media. He admitted that he went through a range of emotions, which any of us would do if our employer shipped us to a different company in another state. However, his being human led to speculation that he was unhappy being with the Browns — even though his actions showed otherwise.
More from Browns News
- 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?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
Then we saw his words twisted when he spoke recently at the Met Gala. While wearing a sleeveless tuxedo and black kilt, OBJ said he wants his new team to be the next Patriots — meaning a winning franchise with Super Bowl rings (what every player should want). He also talked up Baker Mayfield and said he could be a Hall of Famer when his career is done.
That set so many people off, which was unbelievable. Then, it started again as Beckham was absent on the second day of OTAs. Every player asked about his absence seemed fine with it, including Mayfield who said Beckham will be ready when they need him. Still, it showed how much people will overreact to anything involving the explosive wideout.
While we may never know why Beckham missed day 2 after being there the previous practice, it could have been to avoid media availability. So far, most of the time he’s had something to say it’s been twisted all around so it could have been as simple as him trying to stay out of the spotlight a little. Whatever the case, be ready for a lot of noise as people try and pry into everything OBJ does all season long while looking for some deeper meaning.