'Browns Notes'
Browns GM Tom Heckert expects rookie Brandon Weeden to win QB job
AKRON – Browns general manager Tom Heckert said he expects rookie Brandon Weeden to win the quarterback competition with Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace. “The best guy’s going to play, but we drafted Brandon Weeden to be that guy,” Heckert said tonight before an Akron Browns Backers event. “The best guy’s going to play, but [...]
Browns roster check: QBs in spotlight, RBs upgraded, WRs questioned
We’ve seen the rookies. We know the veterans. What’s yet to be determined is how they will mix. The Browns will make a handful of roster moves before training camp begins in late July, and there are always a couple of minor changes during the preseason. But, by and large, the team that will take [...]
Browns notes: Receiver Travis Benjamin finishes rookie minicamp strong
BEREA — The finish was better than the start for receiver Travis Benjamin. The fourth-round pick from the University of Miami made a nice catch in front of the goal line, turned and scored in the final minutes of practice Sunday on the final day of rookie minicamp. The catch was made more difficult because [...]
Browns rookie minicamp 2012: Richardson, Weeden look like they belong
BEREA — After their first practice as Browns teammates Friday, quarterback Brandon Weeden called running back Trent Richardson the “real deal.” He was asked to reassess Sunday morning after the completion of the three-day rookie minicamp. “He’s a freak,” Weeden said. He meant it in the best way possible. “Just look at him. Whatever he [...]
So far, the arm is the star: Brandon Weeden showing Browns he has all the throws
BEREA — Brandon Weeden rolled to his left, squared his shoulders and let it rip. He was still on the move when he released the ball, and it looked as if both feet were off the ground. The result was a 20-yard rope along the sideline to tight end Joseph Halahuni, a tryout from Oregon [...]
Browns notes: Brad Smelley, that other ‘Bama guy, making a good impression, too
BEREA — The kid from Alabama has looked good through two days of rookie minicamp. Make that the other kid from Alabama. Running back Trent Richardson, the No. 3 pick in the draft, came as advertised and has received the lion’s share of the publicity. But it’s Crimson Tide teammate Brad Smelley who has been [...]
Rookie minicamp: Notes from Day 2
BEREA – The Browns held their third practice of rookie minicamp today on a windy morning. All 36 players practiced, and will return to the field this afternoon. A few observations from the first session of the two-a-days. ** Quarterback Brandon Weeden continues to impress with his arm. His athleticism also looks better than advertised. [...]
Optimism of rookie camp dampened by news Phil Taylor could miss season with torn pectoral muscle
BEREA — Friday should’ve been all high-fives on cloud 9 for the Browns. The weather was perfect for the first day of a three-day rookie minicamp. Quarterback Brandon Weeden threw with velocity, touch and accuracy. Running back Trent Richardson ran with quickness, power and elusiveness. The future was on the field for the first time, [...]
Browns notes: Numbers blame? Richardson adjusting to life in NFL
BEREA — Trent Richardson has a new number, new team and new goals. The No. 3 pick out of Alabama switched from No. 3 to 33 because the NFL forbids single digits for running backs. He blamed a couple of early handoff problems on the changes, but was glad to be in Cleveland’s brown jersey [...]
(Updated) Browns open rookie minicamp; DT Phil Taylor to have surgery
BEREA – The optimism surrounding the start of Browns rookie minicamp was dulled tremendously by coach Phil Shurmur’s announcement this morning that defensive tackle Phil Taylor will have surgery next week to repair a torn left pectoral muscle. Shurmur said Taylor will be out for months but said it was premature to rule him out [...]
Coach Pat Shurmur excited to see rookies on field
Brandon Weeden’s opportunity to earn the starting quarterback job for the Browns begins today. Weeden, running back Trent Richardson, the other nine draft picks and 15 undrafted free agents will be among the 37 players expected at rookie minicamp, which includes five practices from today through Sunday. Coach Pat Shurmur previewed the camp Thursday on [...]
Browns’ Scott Fujita denies role in bounty scandal
Browns linebacker Scott Fujita isn’t taking his three-game suspension from the NFL sitting down. “I disagree wholeheartedly with the discipline imposed,” Fujita said Monday in a statement sent to media outlets. “I’ve yet to hear the specifics of any allegation against me, nor have I seen any evidence that supports what the NFL alleges. “I [...]
Browns LB Scott Fujita denies role in ‘bounty’ pool, reserves right to appeal suspension
Browns linebacker Scott Fujita isn’t taking his three-game suspension from the NFL sitting down. “I disagree wholeheartedly with the discipline imposed,” Fujita said today in a statement sent to media outlets. “I’ve yet to hear the specifics of any allegation against me, nor have I seen any evidence that supports what the NFL alleges. “I [...]
Browns’ Scott Fujita suspended for role in Saints’ bounty scandal
The effects of the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal will be felt in Cleveland. Browns linebacker Scott Fujita was suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2012 season for his role in the pay-for-performance/bounty program. The league announced the suspensions of four players Wednesday for conduct detrimental to the NFL. The league [...]
Browns LB Scott Fujita suspended for 3 games
Browns linebacker Scott Fujita was suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2012 season for his role in the New Orleans Saints’ pay-for-performance/bounty program. The league announced the suspensions of four players today for conduct detrimental to the NFL. The league targeted players in leadership roles in the program that ran from [...]