The Browns head coach got to get his rookies out on the field for the first time and discussed it with the media afterwards
The Cleveland Browns opened rookie minicamp on a high note, with head coach Kevin Stefanski offering praise for the energy, preparation, and early execution of the team’s incoming class. After delivering a message to the entire group the night before, Stefanski appeared satisfied after practice. “Really good group of guys,” Stefanski said. “They’re doing a very, very nice job, as you would imagine, on their first day.”
Quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were a primary focus, with Gabriel taking the initial reps. Stefanski cautioned not to read too much into that: “We don’t pay too close attention to who’s in that first snap.” Both QBs are adjusting to under-center reps after spending much of their college careers in shotgun, though Stefanski noted that even in the NFL, shotgun remains the majority formation.
Watch both rookies taking reps here.
In a welcome change, the Browns extended 7-on-7 periods to maximize quarterback reps and evaluate mental processing. Stefanski emphasized that reps are being split evenly between Gabriel and Sanders and that the staff is looking at the total body of work across meetings, practice, and film study. “This is a total evaluation,” he said.
Notable performances included linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who Stefanski described as “very intelligent” and fast to process information. Defensive lineman Mason Graham is being closely coached on technique and fundamentals during individual periods, a point of emphasis with no pads in minicamp.
Stefanski was asked about Nick Chubb but chose to defer to Andrew Berry’s comments earlier in the day. He also addressed the addition of running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, noting their contrasting styles complement one another well.
When asked about the quarterback depth chart heading into OTAs, Stefanski reiterated there’s no rush: “There’s a lot of time between now and September.” The coaching staff will continue evaluating players across every metric before making any depth chart decisions.
Overall, it seems that the rookie class is meeting the expectations of a head coach who appears to be focused on cultivating a more competitive practice environment. We will see how these guys react to getting mixed in with the veterans over the coming days.
What were your first impressions of what you have seen and heard from rookie camp? Do you think that one of the rookies can win the QB battle? Let us know in the comments below.