4 early takeaways from Cleveland Browns 2023 training camp

This past weekend, the Cleveland Browns started training camp in West Virginia. It was a huge shift from their routine since they've typically held practices in Berea and there's also an absence of fans.

Still, there was plenty of coverage from the first few practices as well as a lot of media sessions for the players and staff. Let's take a quick look at four early takeaways from the first weekend.

4. Great news at linebacker

It was widely expected that Sione Takitaki and possibly even Anthony Walker, Jr. would start the year on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform List). Walker suffered a quadricep tear. in September and missed the final 14 games of the season. His loss was extremely difficult since the defense was struggling with communication and accountability and he was becoming the unifying voice.

With him out, there was a rotation at the MIKE linebacker spot and eventually, Takitaki took over the important job. He was playing incredibly well but then suffered a torn ACL in Week 13. With his injury happening so late in the year, he wasn't expected to be on the 53-man roster right away.

Now, however, there's hope that both linebackers will be ready to go. While Takitaki wasn't on the field practicing, he also wasn't placed on the PUP which is a very encouraging sign.

As for Walker, he was out there practicing, and looks like he's ready to go full speed.

Cleveland added a lot of help on defense — but focused on the secondary and the defensive line. They're electing to stick with the players they know at linebacker and while we don't know yet if that's the right call, it does look as though they'll have their top options ready to go early on.

3. Browns know the season is a marathon, not a sprint

One of the more tiresome narratives out there is that head coach Kevin Stefanski and perhaps even general manager Andrew Berry are on a short leash. There are even those who believe there could be an overhaul if the Browns struggle in the first four games — even though those same people admit it's a gauntlet to start the year.

Sadly, when a fan base has seen so many firings over the past two decades this is bound to happen. The whole "fire everyone now" approach has never worked but for some, it's hard to let go of this concept that fear of being fired will motivate everyone.

The truth is, Jimmy Haslam is finally exercising patience and 2023 is standing separate from 2022. No one could possibly believe the Browns expected to go far last year with Jacob Brissett (who is 18-30 lifetime as a starter) — and that includes Haslam.

Instead, 2022 was all about preparing for this year when they had their franchise quarterback. And while Berry and the rest of the front office wants to see a fast start, they know the finish matters even more.

Cleveland has a huge opportunity thanks to this schedule. If they can reel off a few wins, they can have an advantage in the AFC North. Even if that doesn't happen, there's no way they're pulling the plug on this season. The days of panicking are over. And it's okay to embrace it.

2. Wide receiver depth already being tested

At first glance, the Browns wide receiving corps is stacked. They have six players who feel like a lock to make the team but there are some who believe they could decide to stick with seven since there are so many options. Another reason to go so deep would be the issues they've had in recent years with injuries.

For the most part, they were healthy at receiver in 2022 but 2023 isn't starting out that way as they lost free agent addition Marquise Goodwin early in camp. Goodwin, who was signed to be a deep threat, had shortness of breath and felt discomfort in his legs. After being evaluated, it was determined he had blood clots in his lungs as well as his legs.

Goodwin's teammates are rallying around him, with Amari Cooper calling him an "inspiration," but it's still quite a loss. The Browns were expecting him to be the player to stretch the field and if they do have to enter the 2023 campaign without him, they might be forced to find a Plan B.

With Goodwin already sidelined, the Browns also lost Cooper on Sunday. The No. 1 wideout did have core surgery in the offseason but the coaching staff says he "tweaked" something and it's unrelated to his core muscle surgery.

Cleveland added Cedric Tillman in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft and traded for Elijah Moore. They're joined by Donovan Peoples-Jones and second-year wideout David Bell. All have plenty of talent but that depth is already being tested.

1. Deshaun Watson is becoming the leader the Browns need on the field

When the Browns added Deshaun Watson last season, he was dealing with a lot of off-field trouble. Accused of more than 20 counts of sexual misconduct both Watson and Cleveland knew he would be suspended — they just didn't know the length. Following a settlement, the ban ended up being 11 games and Watson was able to play in the final six weeks.

It was a small glimpse of what was to come — and Watson looked like a player who hadn't seen meaningful action in 700 days. Now as he heads into 2023, he has a clean slate and no suspension looming over his head. This has led to a new player, who is solely focused on winning.

He's been putting in the work and has been giving Kevin Stefanski his input as they are trying to ensure this offense is one he can succeed in.

In addition to his work on the field, Watson says he's opened up to his teammates. While he's been quiet on the whole, he says he did tell his side of the story to his teammates.

Cleveland hasn't had a true franchise quarterback since returning to the NFL in 1999. They believe they have that now in Watson and he's been appreciative of the way the organization has supported him.

There will always be those who simply cannot root for Watson and it's hard to blame them. But the Browns made this move hoping to have someone they can win with and, Watson is starting to look comfortable in that role.