Cleveland Browns: 3 early standouts at 2022 OTAs

The Cleveland Browns are nearly done with the voluntary portion of their OTAs and while it’s early in the process, these 3 players are already standing out

This year, the Cleveland Browns have had a great turnout for their voluntary offseason training activities, which is a change from the 2021 campaign. June 9 will be the final day of these sessions, and then mandatory camp will kick off on June 14.

While there will be plenty more to talk about when the team does start the mandatory portion, we can still take a minute to discuss which players have been standing out during the voluntary practices.

Cleveland Browns OTA standout No. 3: Greg Newsome, CB

Denzel Ward was already developing into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL but the Browns wanted more. That’s why they selected Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern in Round 1.

As a rookie, Newsome proved his worth in the NFL but it seems there will be even more expected of him in 2022. Early on in minicamps, Newsome has been spending more time in the slot, a position vacated by the trade of Troy Hill.

Defensive coordinator Joe Woods says Newsome played there some as a rookie and expressed confidence in his ability to perform there, as well as on the outside.

Not only is Newsome performing well and showing off his versatility on the field but he’s also developing into a leader. He recently spoke on the defensive backs missing out on a trip to Miami hosted by Myles Garrett, saying there was a miscommunication but that there’s a plan for the secondary to do a trip of their own. Newsome has also been a presence for rookie Perrion Winfrey, who has been with the second-year player “every day” of camp.

On top of that, Newsome has been vocal about the issue between Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham from last season. While he has nothing bad to say about either player, he has been preaching the importance of doing the job despite any distractions.