CLEVELAND, Ohio — In this week’s edition of our Browns mailbag, I answer questions about the start of training camp next week and more.
Hey, Mary Kay: How do the players feel about starting training camp amid the coronavirus pandemic? -- Ben Jones, Macon, Ga.
Hey, Ben: We haven’t had a chance to talk to many players yet, but I get the sense that some players in the league have reservations about starting camp and the season amid the pandemic. Some of them have health issues such as asthma or a high body mass index. Others have family members at home with health issues and many have small children and pregnant wives. The interesting thing about this training camp is that players are staying at their own residences instead of a team hotel, meaning they’re going back and forth to their families. According to profootballtalk.com, they’re prohibited from visiting indoor nightclubs, indoor house parties, indoor concerts, professional sporting events or indoor church services that permit 25% above capacity this season.
Will the NFL be able to police these policies? So much to ponder about the new normal in pro sports. The players will be assigned tracking devices for contact tracing when they enter their team facility, but those will only be used on the premises. For the most part, players feel that the NFL and NFLPA have done everything possible to ensure their safety this season, including testing three times before they even enter the facility, and daily testing for the first two weeks.
Hey, Mary Kay: Do you see the Browns adding another defensive player in free agency? While the offense seems set, the defensive side of the ball still seems to be a major question mark. Outside of the defensive line and Denzel Ward, there are a lot of young/unproven players. Should the Browns be looking to add another veteran free agent at linebacker? — Estoy Thoy, Maple Heights, Ohio
Hey, Estoy: One big-name defensive player came off the books Saturday in former Jets safety Jamal Adams, who was traded to the Seahawks for two first-round picks and more. I’m sure the Browns at least considered trading for him, but wouldn’t have wanted to give up that much. As for Jadeveon Clowney, he’s still out there, but that ship pretty much sailed when the Browns restructured Olivier Vernon’s contract and gave him $11 million guaranteed this season. The Browns have shown no interest in linebacker Clay Matthews III, and I don’t see that changing. The one player I still have my eye on is Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who wants to be traded. I think the Browns should make a strong pitch for the 25-year old Pro Bowler, who would pair nicely with Myles Garrett for years to come. It might take multiple draft picks, but I think he’s worth it.
Hey, Mary Kay: How do you feel about training camp having a ramp-up period with fewer padded practices? Preseason games I feel can be overrated at times and is more for the players in the bubble. I want to know your take on what the Browns will do to get ready for the season. — Matt Milner, Amherst, Ohio
Hey, Matt: It will definitely be challenging for the Brown to be ready for the Ravens on Sept. 13 with no preseason games, no joint practices against other teams, and only 14 padded practices between Aug. 17th and Sept. 6th. They will have to be extremely efficient during their practices and rep a lot of situational football. They’ll also need to do a lot of 11-on-11s in those practices and not waste time on things that won’t help them prepare for the opener. They might even have to pare down the playbooks to get everything in. It will test the effectiveness of first-time head coach Kevin Stefanski, who’s playing the hand that’s dealt him.
Hey, Mary Kay: How many tight end are the Browns going carry this season? — David, Marana, Arizona
Hey, David: With Kevin Stefanski using a lot of two tight ends and sometimes three, they’ll likely keep at least four on the roster. If David Njoku doesn’t get his wish to be traded, he’ll be one of the four. The other top players at the position are Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant, Stephen Carlson and Pharoah Brown.
Hey, Mary Kay: Heading into camp, what position group do you expect to possibly see a surprise cut or need outside help before the season starts (through trade or signing)? — Pat Zimmerman, Westerville, Ohio
Hey, Pat: I don’t envision many surprise cuts, because GM Andrew Berry has made most of the key roster decisions already, including restructuring a couple of players who were in question such as defensive end Olivier Vernon and swing tackle Chris Hubbard. I think he’ll try to add some depth at positions such as defensive line and linebacker, but I don’t see any key veterans losing their jobs.
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New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.
Some of our Cleveland Browns 20 Questions for ‘20
What should we expect from Joe Woods’ defense?
How will Jedrick Wills Jr. handle the switch from right tackle to left?
How far behind has the coronavirus put the Browns?
Can Mack Wilson, Sione Takitaki be the answer at LB?
Who is more valuable to Browns’ offense, Chubb or Hunt?
Should Dontrell Hilliard be the Browns’ main returner again?
Will Baker Mayfield regain his accuracy?
Who is the Browns’ third receiver?
Can Browns’ tight ends be what Kevin Stefanski needs?
Have we seen the best of Myles Garrett?
Which looming contract decisions should we watch?
Which offseason departure will the Browns miss most?
Will Odell Beckham Jr. be happy in Kevin Stefanski’s offense?
Which draft pick will make the biggest impact?
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How do Browns players feel about starting training camp amid the coronavirus pandemic? Hey, Mary Kay! - cleveland.com
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