3 Early takeaways from Cleveland Browns 2021 rookie minicamp

2. Stefanski is in his element

There’s a reason Kevin Stefanski won the 2020 NFL Head Coach of the Year award. He came in and had some huge odds against him due to the limitations he had — including the offseason needing to be held virtually.

Cleveland was able to get things together and even shook off a terrible Week 1 performance to post an 11-5 season. On top of that, Stefanski instilled such a great sense of professionalism and accountability in his first season that the Browns even won a playoff game while he was sitting at home due to contracting COVID-19.

Now after what feels like a long offseason, he’s back on the field coaching the rookies in Berea and it’s clear that he’s in his element. Stefanski has mentioned that the hands-on coaching is important for the rookies, but called these workouts “baby steps.”

He may downplay it some with that phrase, but it’s clear the rookies are hanging on his every word and soaking up the coaching. First-round pick Greg Newsome has chimed in saying he appreciated being corrected and now won’t feel like a rookie who knows nothing about the NFL.

"“When the vets get here, I’ll at least know that I’m not a rookie who doesn’t know anything,” cornerback Greg Newsome II said via Anthony Poisal of Cleveland.com. “It’s good to get coaching after I make a mistake right away and that I can learn from it quickly. I know that next week, when the vets come back, I’ll have to do it all on my own.”"

Cleveland is hoping to build upon their successful 2020 campaign and they’re expecting this rookie class to be a huge part of that. Getting these reps early will be vital in making sure they play their part.