Β© Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
5 Biggest Browns Storylines Heading Into The Offseason Program
As offseason workouts open up next week here are the top Browns stories fans should be following along with.
This opening phase of the program consists of conditioning work, meetings and rehab for participating players. It's also the first chance for new players to start getting acclimated to their new teammates as Cleveland looks to build upon a memorable 2023 campaign.
While there are storyline aplenty surrounding this Browns team at the moment, here are the five biggest ones to keep an eye on:
5) How Many Players Show Up
Keep in mind that it's not a requirement for players to be in attendance when the offseason program officially opens up on Monday. This phase of the workouts are totally voluntary and every year people try to make a story out of who doesn't show up. Don't be that guy.
That said, on the heels of a 2023 season that saw a locker room oozing with camaraderie overcome numerous season-ending injuries to make the playoffs, the Browns are hoping to replicate those sentiments in 2024. Having high attendance early in the offseason helps that cause and is a testament to players still being bought into the organization's culture. Cleveland is expected to have a healthy majority of players in town starting Monday, including Deshaun Watson who will continue his rehab from shoulder surgery.
4) Deshaun Watson's Zip
Speaking of Watson, his progress this spring will be a constant conversation, as everyone is anxious to see if he's able to get his zip back and find some semblance of the QB he was in Houston. Just last week, Watson said he expects to be ready for Week 1 of the season and even mentioned his desire to be better than he's ever been. The optimism is obviously good to hear but now it's about actually doing it.
Watson will ease into things when the program opens up next week. As the on field work ramps up throughout the spring though it'll be all eyes on Watson to see how his shoulder holds up once he's throwing the football more regularly. Count on "shoulder watch" being a story all the way until he's throwing the football in an actual game Week 1. The 2024 season very much hinges on Watson being healthy and consistent.
Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) points after picking up first down against Arizona Cardinals
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
3) Jerry Jeudy Integration
Much has been said about Jerry Jeudy's arrival in Cleveland and subsequent extension he signed. As the offseason program begins the attention shifts to Jeudy's fit both on and off the field.
Clearly the Browns feel confident in his ability to assimilate to the locker room and be a weapon for them. Where he fits in the big picture of the offense. Whether or not a fresh start will unlock the first-round potential he's fallen short of realizing. How bought in he really is. All those things will start to take shape in the coming months.
2) Tackles Galore
The tackle situation is going to be an interesting one to monitor, with three potential starters for two spots. It's made even more intriguing with the presence of a new offensive line coach in Andy Dickerson. How he sorts through finding reps and playing time for Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills and Dawand Jones will be fascinating.
All three are coming back from season-ending injuries of different severity and are in different phases of their respective recoveries. As they each work their way back to the field though, don't be surprised if Jones in particular gets some run at left tackle to see if there's a role for him there beyond 2024.
1) New Look Offense
Kevin Stefansk has stayed mum on the subject of who will be the primary play-caller next season between himself or Ken Dorsey. That decision could very well come this spring, or he may wait until training camp to make anything official. Regardless, as spring practices progress from April until mandatory mini camp in June, what this new blended offense looks like will start to take shape.
Dorsey has quite the reputation for wanting to push the ball down the field and has worked with elite running QBs like Cam Newton and more recently, Josh Allen. How he and Stefanski mesh their systems in an effort to get the most our of Watson will be the top storyline to follow.
