With OTAs nearing the end of their run and today being a Wednesday, that means it was the final day for the media to set their sights on a practice until minicamps begin in a couple of weeks.
Here's a rundown on what sources are reporting from the session:
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Cousin's Debut: It was a "debut" of sorts for veteran cornerback Terry Cousin, who was at the center of attention during interviews. Cousin seemed to bring a positive attitude, saying that the Browns reminded him of how far along the Jacksonville Jaguars were last season.
Shaun Rogers' push on gameday will help edge rushers, such as Kamerion Wimbley and Antwan Peek - On The Field: As far as what he did on the field, Cousin lined up on the outside with the second unit. As he gets more acclimated with the defense, he'll be a lock for covering opposing teams' slot receivers.
- Rogers a Monster: Much like running back Jamal Lewis drew praise last season after having a "chip" on his shoulder, Shaun Rogers is drawing similar praises from coaches and fellow teammates this season. He has lined up at nose tackle exclusively during OTAs, but it is expected that he'll get some reps at defensive end as time progresses.
- Injury Updates: Linebacker Shantee Orr had back spasms during the practice, and safety Sean Jones missed some drills due to an ankle injury.
- Personal Days: The following players missed practice due to "personal" reasons: Linebacker Willie McGinest, wide receiver Braylon Edwards, defensive end Corey Williams, and running back Jamal Lewis. However, of those four players, I'd have to believe that Edwards was really out due to his hip pointer still.
- Seizing the Advantage: Reportedly, Travis Wilson has been getting a lot of positive attention for his work at the receiver position. With Edwards and Joe Jurevicius sidelined, Wilson and newcomer Donte Stallworth have been the go-to-guys at receiver. Still, by time the regular season starts, you have to believe Wilson will be stuck fifth on the depth chart (including Kellen Winslow as a receiver).
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Grossi Props: A few days after I indirectly ripped some local beat writers for not delivering more specific notes on players' performances around Berea, Plain Dealer writer Tony Grossi seems to have gotten the message. In particular, he commented on two receiving plays, which are cited below:
GROSSI ON EFREM HILL:
Efrem Hill, the receiver who caught Quinn's first touchdown pass in preseason last year before going down with an injury, made a good grab of a Quinn whistler and then did well to get both feet down just inside the end line.
GROSSI ON MARTIN RUCKER:
After a Ken Dorsey pass whistled through the hands of rookie tight end Martin Rucker in the end zone, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski admonished, "C'mon, Ruck, you've gotta catch that ball." -
BTW, Rucker?: By the way...where have all of the reports on tight end Martin Rucker been? With Winslow and Heiden both out, we expected to hear all about what Rucker was doing on the field. We've heard a little about Beau Bell, but beyond Grossi's brief mention above, I don't recall anything about the receiving tight end.
Travis Wilson is finally playing well in camp (Photo credited to Jeff Wills) - Double Duty: In a wise move considering our lack of depth at cornerback, safety Mike Adams saw work as both a nickel back and a safety. Adams reportedly looked sharp too, including a break-up of a long pass by Derek Anderson intended for Stallworth.
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Young Corners Stepping Up: From Grossi's piece:
It was a good practice for young cornerbacks. In red-zone drills, Damon Jenkins, a rookie from Fresno State, intercepted a Brady Quinn lob intended for Paul Hubbard in the right corner.
A few moments later, Mil'Von James, the rookie from UNLV, broke up a Ken Dorsey pass for Lance Leggett in the left corner. For what it's worth, James is built a lot like Eric Wright, his former college teammate -- very strong legs. - Rosevelt Colvin: A day after Colvin told Sirius NFL Radio that he'd been in contact with several teams, including the Browns, head coach Romeo Crennel side-stepped the comment by stating that the team's primary focus right now is addressing the cornerback dilemma.
Sources for Wednesday's OTA
OTA Report: Rogers has Big Role (Orange and Brown Report)
Cleveland Browns OTAs winding down (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Notebook: Updates on Holly, Tucker (Official Site)
Cousin hear to lend a hand (Official Site)
The OTA sources above basically double as today's link collection. Tomorrow is the a day that will perhaps be as exciting as opening day, by the way. Not sure what it is? Then, I'm afraid you are a little...
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