The Browns rookies and veterans came together on the field Tuesday for their first of nine OTAs.
Right around the time this gets published, it will be happening again on the fields of the Browns training facility in Berea.
Our coverage, as it's been throughout the offseason, will be relentless. Until then, let's tackle a few pressing questions that found their way into our inbox.
While I'm very enthusiastic about this most recent draft class from what I have seen and read on ClevelandBrowns.com, realistically though, how many do you forecast as being Week 1 starters vs. the Eagles? -- James, Leicester, England
This is a tricky one because you aren't talking about the season as a whole, but the Sept. 11 opener in Philadelphia. A lot can change during the course of a regular season, and young players can really see their development bloom within the 16 games. Look at 2015 second-round linebacker Nate Orchard, who began the season inactive and finished with a prominent role. The same went for offensive lineman Cameron Erving, who assumed a starting role by the end of the season because of injuries. Last year's Week 1 starting lineup included two rookies, DL Danny Shelton and RB Duke Johnson, out of 12 draft picks.
With 14 draft picks and a much different-looking roster, the possibility is there for more than two, but it's too early to write off the team's numerous veterans, who have taken a back seat of sorts in the headlines in recent weeks because of the rookie insurgence.
"Our veteran players have worked extremely hard," Browns coach Hue Jackson said Friday. "The culture here is great, and I think it's really important that these young guys caught up. They have a lot of work to do."
The best players will play, whether they're rookies or experienced veterans. That goes from first-round pick Corey Coleman to seventh-round linebacker Scooby Wright. Some players, of course, could have bigger opportunities than others because of the makeup of the roster at their respective position. At wide receiver, Coleman and the team's three other selections -- Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins -- will have as big of an opportunity as any. Emmanuel Ogbah could have tougher sledding because of the presence of Paul Kruger, Orchard and Barkevious Mingo, but a role is there for the taking, whether it be as a starter or situational, if he's ready. Shon Coleman and Spencer Drango will have the opportunity to compete at right tackle, but they'll have to beat out the likes of Alvin Bailey, Michael Bowie and Austin Pasztor. Seth DeValve will be competing with a number of other younger players for the No. 2 tight end spot alongside Gary Barnidge. Trey Caldwell has an opportunity at nickel.
In short, the opportunities for Cleveland's rookies are as wide open as any rookie class around the league, but the jobs won't be handed to them.
The rookies took to FirstEnergy Stadium for the first time.
As I am Browns fan from Australia, I would love to see Brad Craddock make the team. Being a Lou Groza winner, this is the perfect city for him. What are the chances he makes the roster? -- John C., Perth, Australia
Hi, my question is about the Browns kicking situation. They had four field goals blocked last year, and I was wondering how they plan to address this problem. How likely is a change at the position? -- Matthew C., Vestal, N.Y.
The Browns like what they have in Travis Coons, who made his first 18 field goals in 2015 but struggled to get height on his long attempts. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor has expressed confidence in Coons throughout the offseason and has worked on fundamental ways to improve his consistency on longer field goals. Still, it's the NFL, and no one is given the opportunity to grow complacent. Craddock is the only other kicker on the roster at the moment, but the Browns kept their options open this past weekend when they brought in three others for tryouts. Craddock has a big, big leg, but he'll have to prove to be the best option all around to land a spot on the roster.
Lots of great coverage on draft picks, but tell us about some of the shining stars in the undrafted free agent class. What are their stories and what do the Browns see in them? -- Julie R., Atlanta
It's hard to go in-depth about all 10 of them, but we've already written up center Mike Matthews, who knows plenty about the Browns' passionate fan base. Craddock, an Australian, is another interesting player with a great story. Fullback Patrick Skov comes from a football family and spent some time growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico. Dominique Alexander was Oklahoma's leading tackler the past two seasons. Tight end J.P. Holtz was a captain at Pittsburgh. The list goes on and on, and we'll do our best to dig deep with all of them.
The Browns are moving toward a more physical run game that requires big and strong linemen. Cameron Erving at center, Michael Bowie right guard, and Shon Coleman at right tackle are all big/physically imposing at their respective positions. Would it be realistic to see three new starters on the offensive line as listed above? P.S. I'm the biggest Browns fan in Pittsburgh!! -- Dominiq P., Pittsburgh
I wouldn't be so quick to write off John Greco, who was been rock solid for the Browns at right guard over the past five seasons. Coleman will have the opportunity to compete at right tackle with a slew of other contenders, and Erving won't just be handed the center job.
