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NFL training camp notepad: Browns fans should buckle up for promising and also precarious season

charles robinson
Senior reporter
·2 min read

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporter Charles Robinson is out on the road covering training camps. Today's stop: the Cleveland Browns, who were also visited by Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein in July.

Deshaun Watson definitely made mistakes in the last joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings. But Cleveland also wasn’t running anything of consequence from the playbook — especially in red zone work. I’m certain we won’t truly know where Watson is until at least mid-October. Buckle up, Browns fans. It’s going to be a ride.

Rookie fifth-round wideout Jamari Thrash was all over the place in joint practice against the Vikings. Not just making catches, but occasionally getting reps with a starting mix of players. His usage looked like someone expected to make some contributions. A four-year player at Georgia State before one season at Louisville, he’s definitely on the radar.

(Amber Matsumoto/Yahoo Sports)
(Amber Matsumoto/Yahoo Sports)

The first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence charge against rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is disturbing. Especially claims in the initial police report that include pointing a gun at the alleged victim. The Browns want the case to unfold legally before any definitive statements. They know the league is watching this closely.

There’s a slight chance RB Nick Chubb returns early in the season from ACL/MCL surgeries, but the Browns are going to be patient. They think the trio of Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong and D’Onta Foreman can hold the run game down as long as needed. When Chubb returns, it will be a ramp process. His highest value is after the season’s midpoint.

Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. excelled in joint practices against the Minnesota Vikings after No. 1 corner Denzel Ward went down early in the week. Emerson battled in 1-on-1s with Vikings star wideout Justin Jefferson, drawing praise from Jefferson afterward. The staff was amped with the showing and think Emerson is taking another big step.

All past issues aside, this is a shot for Jerry Jeudy to develop into a mid-to-high level No. 2 wideout. The offense is designed to feed him opportunities and Cleveland is paying him to be a big part of 2024 and beyond. The team commitment is there. If Jeudy can’t make it happen now, we can’t keep blaming quarterback, scheme and play-calling.