We got our first real look at the 2017 Cleveland Browns during Day 2 of organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday.
While it’s way too early to glean any kind of useful information, there’s still slices of data to share. So, let’s get right into it by hearing what Hue Jackson had to say following the session.
Post-practice press conference highlights
The main questioning for coach predictably revolved around the quarterback position.
And Jackson was equally as predictable in not making any kind of definitive statements after just two sessions. The quarterback position is hard, that’s no secret, so it’ll likely be some time before he’s willing to make any kind of decisions or judgments of the group.
He did speak briefly on Cody Kessler’s progress, though.
“Cody is stronger, I think the ball has more zip on it. I think he’s worked extremely hard,” Jackson said.
Despite the glowing review, Jackson said Kessler’s ability to maintain that improvement from week to week will be a challenge that he will monitor.
He was complementary of Brock Osweiler, too.
“He's been great. He's been outstanding here. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” the coach added of Osweiler.
Here’s coach’s comments in their entirety, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account:
Hue Jackson is LIVE at the podium following Day 2 of OTAs https://t.co/TVLqffMVWM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 24, 2017
Kizer gets pretty good reviews in public debut
According to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer, the Browns quarterbacks took snaps in a predictable order for just the second day of positional drills: Kessler, Osweiler, Kevin Hogan, and then Kizer:
#Browns early OTA QB drills. Order: Kessler, Osweiler, Hogan, Kizer pic.twitter.com/DYq8w8H5cC
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 24, 2017
But it was the big-armed rookie who predictably drew the most attention.
“Nobody else on the field is throwing the ball the way that (Kizer) does,” Browns Daily’s Nathan Zegura admirably remarked of this performance.
Zegura also noted that while Kizer made the best throws, he also made the most mistakes and poor throws of the group.
It’ll be a while before the rookie is done learning and ready to challenge the group for the starting position. It wouldn’t be crazy if that competition gets heated given his skill-set.
“There's a lot thrown at him now, but he's done a good job,” Jackson said.
Myles Garrett, Kenny Britt and Jabrill Peppers were out with undisclosed injuries
All three newcomers were held out for precautionary reason.
None of their injuries are believed to be serious. After practice, Jackson said Garrett was simply sore and also said there was “nothing major” wrong with Peppers and Britt.
It’s extremely early to be concerned with bumps and bruises, so we’ll hold back concerns until they’re warranted.
In case you’re still worried, Garrett said he is fine and will be back next week, per Cabot:
#Browns Myles Garrett: "they're being cautious. It's just a little nick. I'll be back next week"
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 24, 2017
Corey Coleman left with a trainer near the end of practice after
Coleman was hurt after catching a deep pass from Brock Osweiler with Jason McCourty in coverage. Coach Hue Jackson attended to the second-year receiver, who laid on the ground for minutes before being taken into the training facility by team training staff members.
Jackson said his injury was nothing major and that he simply fell on the ball following the catch.
Jason McCourty was working with the cornerbacks group
Jackson previously said he would work McCourty in wherever he could best help the team. And in the early going Gregg Williams is playing him at his natural position. While that could change, it probably shouldn’t because McCourty has continued to play the position at a high level and the team’s depth is sparse at that spot.
McCourty said after practice his last experience at safety was at Rutgers, per Andrew Gribble of ClevelandBrowns.com:
McCourty said his last experience at free safety was at Rutgers but feels comfortable with overall knowledge of secondary as a vet.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) May 24, 2017
While he likely could play the part, the best-case scenario would be a younger player stepping up to fill the team’s need at safety, allowing McCourty to help the corner group this season.
*Quotes obtained from Cleveland Browns Daily Radio hosted on ClevelandBrowns.com