We are one week into training camp for the Cleveland Browns. So far, the stories coming out of The Greenbrier in West Virginia have been positive.
With what we know, here's a look at who has seen their stock rise and who has seen theirs take a hit.
Stock up: RB Nick Chubb
Like any team in the NFL, the Browns are dealing with numerous key injuries and there are some questions about who will be ready come Week 1. The biggest and arguably the most important inquiry is running back Nick Chubb.
Since the offseason — from head coach Kevin Stefanski to general manager Andrew Berry — everyone in the organization echoed that Chubb's recovery is on schedule and that they will not specify a timetable or rush his return. It's smart for the organization to temper expectations, but what fans are seeing and hearing has us thinking Chubb's return will be sooner rather than later
Weeks ago Nick Chubb's camp released a video of him 8 months post surgery squatting over 500lbs on a "tsunami bar", a bar that bends more than normal focusing on explosion and balance. Not only is he back in the weight room lifting Nick Chubb-esque weights again, but he is also working on his agility as well — doing one-legged lateral movement drills at his old high school in Georgia.
Most recently though it was reported last Friday when Mary Kay Cabot tweeted out his after-practice workout. Now while none of his spectators speaking out on this are on the medical staff, to hear these reporters say he's running what looks like full speed is encouraging especially eight months after two knee surgeries. He is still on the PUP list and needs to clear a physical to be eligible for Week 1, but there's nothing we've seen so far in the past few weeks that would indicate it's impossible.
Stock down: LT Jedrick Wills
Evaluating roster talent is very hard nowadays in today's NFL. Sometimes you'll know whether a guy can be a starter or a contributor immediately, but sometimes that process takes a few seasons. In some instances, a player can have so many ups and downs after being drafted that a team has no clue how to assess their long-term status with the team. Former first-round draft pick Jed Wills is one of those players.
After a promising rookie season in 2020, Wills has endured stretches of injuries and inconsistent play. A little over a year ago, the Browns picked up his fifth-year option, but that was before they knew the kind of player they found with second-year offensive tackle Dawand Jones. Jones was not only the best pass protector among Browns offensive tackles but he was one of the best in the league.
Wills is still on the PUP list after his knee injury last year. Now his counterpart, veteran Jack Conklin also needs to be cleared as well but when all three offensive tackles are healthy, who will the starting two be? Well you can't bench Jones after how well he faced against rival pass rusher TJ Watt, and Conklin is a two-time All-Pro who played at a high level when healthy. This leaves Wills as the odd man out and with him sidelined until further notice, Wills can't make a stronger case for being a starter
Stock up: WR Amari Cooper
The biggest storyline in Cleveland the past few weeks was Amari Cooper's contract situation. He had held out of the entire mini-camp in hopes of getting an extension or at least a reworked contract. Cooper's wish was granted as the Browns not only guaranteed the entirety of his $20 million 2024 salary but added another $5 million in incentives. This deal was done in time so that Amari didn't miss a single day of training camp. Cooper is healthy, happy, and ready to roll this season.
It's also worth noting that there is a strong possibility that the Browns could sign Cooper to an extension before 2025. General manager Andrew Berry commented that not only is it still on the table, but he was also quoted saying it is financially possible. Berry stated the other day "Nothing that we’ve done would preclude us from extending him..."
This is huge news considering Cooper has had the greatest two-year run in the history of this franchise. No reason to think he can't be the same dominant number-one wide receiver that has led the AFC North in receiving yards the past two years.
Stock Down-CB Greg Newsome
Now while it's a bit unfair to criticize another player who started injured in training camp, it's a make-or-break year for Greg Newsome. It's not that he's unperformed the past three seasons, as his play is in the top half of the league. He recorded 14 passes defended last year which was tied for eighth in the entire NFL. The problem lies with where he fits on the depth chart and where he fits on the Browns' salary cap. For starters it's hard to earn a starting role on any NFL team, it's even harder when the two guys in front of you are Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson, Neither of which gave up a touchdown while in man coverage compared to Newsome giving up two.
Newsome even had his chance last season when Ward missed three games due to a shoulder injury. In that span, Newsome gave up 13.4 yards per catch, a whole yard higher than his last season average. His last game of the season, the blowout loss in Houston didn't bode well for him either as he gave up a whopping 21.8 yards per catch on four catches.
The injury in itself isn't a cause for concern though. He had a minor hamstring surgery and is expected to play in Week 1, but now his reps in camp are given to young guys like 2nd-year player Cam Mitchell and rookie Myles Harden. Next season Newsome is due $13.3 million due to his fifth-year option but if the Browns feel they have solid young talent behind him, it's hard to justify that kind of money to a third-string cornerback.
Stock up: TE David Njoku
When talking about the Browns' surge last season, it's hard not to mention tight end David Njoku — who was the main catalyst on offense.
He led his position in yards after catch and fans finally saw him reach the level of play we would expect from an athletic freak playing tight end. The only issue is, his explosion in production came when Deshaun Watson wasn't on the field.
Even back the year prior, the stats showed Njoku had higher receiving totals with backup QB Jacoby Brissett compared to when Watson stepped in later in the season. Even more important to note 15 times in his career Njoku has eclipsed over 59 receiving yards in a game, none of which came with Watson at QB.
The good news is the two are aware that the chemistry needs to be strengthened. Back in March when Watson was cleared to throw again after his shoulder surgery, it was David Njoku who flew out to Los Angeles to meet with QB1 and his personal quarterback coach. In the early days of camp here you can see it has helped.
On Monday Watson was able to find Njoku in the endzone on a no-look pass while being guarded by safety Grant Delpit. Their timing with each other will be critical this season as Njoku's production is vital to the success of the Browns' passing offense.
In addition to their work together, Njoku has been seen taking tips from Mike Vrabel on blocking. After struggling as a blocker early in his career, Njoku turned into one of the top blocking tight ends in the game and is still aiming to improve.