The Browns' offseason workouts have often been described as having a new energy by players, coaches and local media members alike over the last few months.
Last week, NFL Network analyst and Browns preseason color analyst Solomon Wilcots got his first experience of Cleveland's practices under first-year coach Hue Jackson and a new coaching staff.
And Wilcots — who was in attendance for the Browns' mandatory veteran minicamp — said he came away impressed with what he saw.
"When you come and watch a practice, there are a few things that you look for — particularly when you have a new coaching staff with a new team — and what you look for, you look for the type of energy you see in a practice, is that team lethargic or is there a crisp movement and tempo to the practice," said Wilcots, who played six seasons in the NFL, including four with the Bengals.
"And that's what I saw in my few days of watching the Cleveland Browns under Hue Jackson. Every drill was meaningful, every drill has an energy to it and a sense of purpose to it."
Wilcots said he was particularly impressed with wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, who has stood out lately after making the transition from quarterback.
"Here's a guy that we didn't even know if he could play receiver, if he could make that transition. I watched practice and I said this kid is not only a receiver, he's a very good one with talent and skills and speed that's eye-opening," he said. "Once we get into training camp, it's going to be intriguing to see just how far he can go."
The Browns took to the field to finish the three-day veterans' minicamp.
Of course, Pryor isn't alone in his growth and development as Jackson said he came away pleased with the progress made at several different position groups, including quarterback, wide receiver, and the offensive line.
"You can tell players are having fun playing football, they're learning, they're growing and developing," Wilcots said. "I watch (Hue) work these quarterbacks — he's got five guys, that's a lot of players and you're trying to teach them all — but he's working with every single detail of their game, whether it's elbow placement throwing the football or footwork to help deliver an accurate pass. There's no detail that's not being taught here."
Indeed, Jackson said the purpose of offseason workouts was to lay a foundation for the Browns to build on come training camp, which is set to open July 29.
"They are just really overturning every single stone," Wilcots said, "every single player."
