Need to Know: No dwelling on the past as Browns open training camp

There was no dwelling on the past for the Browns as they opened their 2018 training camp. Their head coach, Hue Jackson, had no time for it. “This isn’t the same team,” said Jackson, who enters his third season in Cleveland. “I’ve said it before, that was 0-16, this is a whole different team.” It’s true. After the franchise’s first winless season, the Browns overhauled their roster in such a profound way that last year’s dismal campaign does, indeed, feel like a distant (albeit unpleasant) memory. Because of that, Thursday afternoon was as much of a debut of these new-look Browns — a group that includes new quarterback Tyrod Taylor, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and high-profile rookies Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward — as it was the first day of camp. It’s why Jackson had little interest in looking back over his shoulder. Neither did the fans in attendance, who turned out in droves on a workday. “I don’t think that I should take them back through that. I think the thing that I stress is how we practice,” Jackson said. “Every day, come out here with the mindset to get better … If we do that, then good things are going to happen.”— Speaking of Taylor, the veteran quarterback continued to be something of a standard-bearer for the Browns. Since coming to Cleveland via trade with the Buffalo Bills, the one-time Pro Bowler has done his best to lead by example and rally his teammates both on and off the field. “He does not flinch,” Jackson said. “Tyrod Taylor is the same guy that walked into the building however many months ago and is the same guy today. He is leading the offense, making plays, getting people in the right spots and all of those things. I am very impressed with what he is doing. He just has to keep it going.” — As the subject of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” show this season, the Browns will welcome an additional sea of cameras, boom mics and attention throughout the next month. Jackson, who maintained the additional spotlight won’t be a problem for his team, doubled down. “They do their job, but we have a job to do,” he said. “We’re not going to let this be a distraction to our football team.” — Jackson suggested the Browns will indeed tryout veteran cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones as part of their ongoing quest to fortify a new-look roster. Jones, 34, spent the past eight seasons in Cincinnati, where he earned his first and only trip to the Pro Bowl (2015). Jackson coached Jones as an assistant in Cincinnati and the pair remain friendly. “As you guys know, (general manager) John (Dorsey) and the personnel group are always trying to uncover talent, and uncover guys that can play,” he said. “Obviously, there’s an opportunity to continue to look at guys, so I am sure we will bring them in and take a peek at them.” Dorsey on Wednesday said Cleveland has also had conversations about former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant. — Browns second-year safety Jabrill Peppers (groin), rookie defensive end Chad Thomas (sports hernia) & rookie tackle Desmond Harrison entered camp on the team’s Physically Unable to Participate (PUP) list. Jackson believes the trio will join their teammates in practice at some point. — This past offseason, offensive coordinator Todd Haley described this season as a “make-or-break” campaign for third-year receiver Corey Coleman. After struggling to stay healthy his first two seasons, the former first-round NFL Draft pick hopes to take the next step in his development. “I feel like it’s important,” Coleman said. “Coach Todd Haley, we talked about what he expects form me, and I’ll come out here and I’m going to practice hard each and every day.” — Defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (cramps), rookie receiver Damion Ratley (hip) and tight end Devon Cajuste (undisclosed) left practice with injuries.

Training Camp

Need to Know: No dwelling on the past as Browns open training camp