Essentially, the Browns OTAs came to an end Wednesday, but Hue Jackson made it clear Thursday was one of the team's most important days of the offseason.
Cleveland closed the OTA portion of its offseason workout program Wednesday with a spirited, 90-minute practice in "toasty" conditions. It was the eighth and final session for the Browns, who are allotted 10, per NFL rules.
The way Jackson planned it, there was no need to utilize the final two spots in an on-field capacity. Because Jackson is a first-year coach, the Browns were able to host a three-day minicamp before the draft.
The Browns host their three-day veteran minicamp with the full 90-man roster next week before they break for the summer.
"I'm really happy to where we've gotten to after eight practices," Jackson said. "Our guys have done a really good job.
"I've been extremely pleased and happy with the progress we're making each and every day. It's not perfect by any sense of the imagination but I think the guys are starting to truly understand what it takes to have an opportunity to win in this league, how hard it is each and every day when you go on the football field, the weight room or in the classroom.
"We've accomplished what myself and this staff has set out to do."
Which brings the Browns to Thursday morning, when the entire team will appear at the Cleveland Browns Foundation's 17th annual golf tournament, one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the organization.
The Cleveland Browns Foundation is dedicated to taking a solution-based, holistic approach to ensure Northeast Ohio youth receive the development and education they need as a foundation for independence and success. Jackson labeled the team's appearance and participation as "very important" to the players' development as young men.
Foursomes will be joined by Browns personnel during the 18-hole round event. Browns players and staff who are not golfing during the tournament will join youth from many of the partners and schools directly impacted through the Foundation's programs for fun field activities during the Dawg Pound Games. The team and kids will interact together at various stations throughout the morning near the golf course.
"The focus of us throughout the city and Northeast Ohio are areas of education. We want to help and assist," Jackson said. "We're going to take the whole team to because I truly believe it's something you honestly do … I think it's very deserving and I think it's a great time because I think our guys have done a great job.
"This is what's best for our football team."
