Day 1 of offseason workouts is already in the books, as the Browns got a jump start on most of the NFL.
Cleveland was one of three teams to begin its offseason workout program Monday, joining the Eagles and 49ers. Only franchises that hired a new coach in the offseason are permitted to get things underway this early in the month. The rest can follow suit in two weeks.
Phase I of III began today and runs through the end of next week. What exactly do the phases entail? Here's a breakdown.
And remember, because the Browns are getting started a little earlier than last year, that means this program will end a little earlier than it did in 2015.
Phase I: April 4-8, April 11-15
Teams are permitted to work the players in the facility four hours per day, four days per week. On-field activities are only to include strength and conditioning and rehab while strength and conditioning and medical staff are the only coaches permitted to monitor.
Voluntary Veteran Mini-Camp: April 19-21
Another addition to the schedule because the Browns have a new coach, the team can practice together for three days with restrictions.
Phase II: April 25-29, May 2-6, May 9-13
Individual instruction and drills for the group are allowed and all coaches are permitted to monitor, but there is no offense vs. defense.
Rookie Mini-Camp: May 13-15
Players who are drafted, signed as free agents out of college or invited for tryouts go through workouts two weeks after the 2016 NFL Draft.
Phase III: May 16-19, May 23-26, May 31-June 2
These are more familiarly known as "OTAs" and include 10 total gatherings of the players and coaches. Contact is still prohibited but players are able to go through 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
Mandatory Veteran Mini-Camp: June 7-9
The first and only time before training camp where attendance is required. Players are to report one day before it begins.
