4 Browns players who are already turning heads at OTAs

OTAs are underway for the Cleveland Browns who held their first two practices on Tuesday and Wednesday and will wrap up their first session on Thursday. They will have a few days off then practice again from May 28-30.

While the offseason program is still fresh, players are already standing out. Here's a look at four Browns who are already turning heads.

4. Jamari Thrash, Wide Receiver

During rookie minicamp, Jamari Thrash was showing off his skills. The fifth-round pick out of Louisville wasted no time showing why former All-Pro wideout Steve Smith loved his upside and now that he's at OTAs, Thrash continues to make people believe he has a bright future.

Thrash got deep a couple of times and on one play, he hauled in an impressive catch on a pass from Jameis Winston. He's shown the speed and separation ability that helped him land a shot in the NFL and will make it hard for former third-round pick David Bell to make the final spot at wide receiver.

Thrash has also shown a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the team. During rookie minicamp, he said he's likely going to get a shot at returning kicks. He hasn't done so since high school but he has the skill set to make it work — and the more you can do, the better the chances of making the 53-man roster are.

Of course, the Browns have Nyheim Hines who is set to be the primary returner but having a backup ready to go is a must — as they learned over the past two years with Jakeem Grant.

3. Nathaniel Watson, Linebacker

When Nathaniel Watson showed up to rookie minicamp, one thing was noticeable — he's a massive linebacker. Watson weighed in at 233 pounds when he showed up to the NFL Combine but appeared much larger when he arrived in Berea. This is a plus for the Cleveland defense, which can use a run-stuffer in the middle of the defense.

In addition to his ability to defend the run, Watson was an excellent pass rusher for Mississipi State. He had 21 sacks over the past three seasons with 10 in 2023. As impressive as he was in these areas, he was said to be a liability in coverage. That wasn't the case on Wednesday.

Watson got the entire defense fired up when he picked off a pass from Tyler Huntey and ran to the sideline to celebrate. The entire defense got in on the fun as they raced out to celebrate with the rookie.

Most Cleveland fans remember the way Jim Schwartz encouraged his defenders to celebrate every turnover when he first arrived. The veteran defensive coordinator brings a certain swagger to the sideline and he wants his players to show that as well.

Schwartz surely took notice of this play from Watson, who could find himself on the field often as a rookie. Especially if he continues to hold his own when asked to drop into pass coverage.

2. Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver

One of the newest members of the Cleveland Browns, Jerry Jeudy made his practice debut in the orange and brown this week. The sample size might be small but so far, Jeudy has been making plays — and showing off his versatility.

Spencer German of Browns Digest said Jeudy was "everywhere," lining up on both sides of the field as well as in the slot. He said Jeudy even took reps in the backfield, which might sound familiar — since the Browns tried this in 2023 with Elijah Moore. Although, that never panned out.

"It felt very reminiscent of what the Browns were hoping to do with Elijah Moore last year, only it never really came to fruition. It's still early on in the process of implementing new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's scheme but if what the Browns showed is any indication of what's to come, Jeudy could end up being that hybrid weapon they've been looking for." — German, Browns Digest

Jeudy seems to take a lot of unfair criticism from his Denver days and is a far more accomplished receiver than Moore. During his first season in Cleveland, Moore had 640 yards on 59 receptions which were both career highs. Jeudy, on the other hand, topped Moore's best campaign in three of his four seasons, with the only exception being in 2021 when he missed seven games due to injury.

None of that is said to knock Moore, but just a reason to believe the early hype surrounding him could lead to something in the regular season.

1. Jameis Winston, Quarterback

After getting work in during the team's first practice session on Tuesday, Deshaun Watson had a day of rest. Or at least a day of resting his shoulder.

As part of his rehab work following offseason shoulder surgery, Watson didn't throw but was on the field with his team. He even took "mental reps," where he did everything except throw the football.

With him taking it easy, the door was open for Jameis Winston to show off his arm, which is exactly what he did. Winston, who was the No. 1 overall pick out of Florida State in 2015, looked calm, confident, and sharp in his first practice with his new team. Again, we know it's early and they're in shorts and no pads but Winston seemed to have a firm grasp on the offense and was distributing the ball to every player.

This offseason, the Browns signed Winston to a one-year deal which caused a stir. He comes in as a replacement for Joe Flacco, who won over the fan base by going 4-1 down the stretch and guiding the team into the playoffs.

Flacco, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts, won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in his lone season with the Browns. As good as Flacco was last year, it's hard to watch Winston throw the ball and not believe they upgraded the position behind Watson.

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