The Cleveland Browns' organized team activities (OTAs) have provided an exciting glimpse into the team's progress, with a focus on the recovery of second-year running back Quinshon Judkins and the emergence of rookie receiver Denzel Boston. Judkins, who suffered a dislocated right ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16, is making remarkable strides in his rehabilitation. Just five months after surgery, he participated in 11-on-11 drills, showcasing his explosive movement and competitive spirit. This is a testament to his hard work and the best-case scenario for his recovery, expected to be back in four to six months.
What makes Judkins' progress even more impressive is the fact that he's working with the first team, including Deshaun Watson, and even progressed to 11-on-11s with Shedeur Sanders. Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator, expressed his excitement, highlighting Judkins' relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. Monken's observation that Judkins is a 'bull' who refuses to go down is a refreshing reminder of the player's determination and resilience.
In contrast, fellow second-year back Dylan Sampson worked off to the side with the resting and injured players, which is understandable given his recovery from a different injury. However, Judkins' return has helped offset this, providing a much-needed boost to the team's depth at running back.
The real star of the day, however, was Denzel Boston, the No. 39 overall pick out of Washington. Boston made the play of the day with a 35-yard TD catch, showcasing his sure hands and contested catch ability. This is a crucial skill for a wide receiver, and Boston's performance at rookie minicamp has translated to the full-squad OTAs, impressing Monken and the coaching staff.
Boston's performance is particularly encouraging given the talent of the cornerback he was double-covered by, Tyson Campbell. Monken's observation that Boston is one of the most talented guys in the league is a testament to his potential and the impact he could have on the team.
However, not all news from the OTAs was positive. Most of the rookies, including left tackle Spencer Fano and receivers KC Concepcion and Boston, worked with the second team offense and Sanders for most of the team periods. This suggests that Monken will make them earn their starting spots, which is a fair approach given their relative inexperience.
The rookies are significantly behind the veterans who have been here since April 6, having missed approximately three weeks of learning and installation. Monken acknowledged this, stating that they'll get through eight installs and see where they're at. This is a realistic approach, as the learning curve for a new offense can be steep, especially for rookies.
One area of concern for Monken was the interceptions in 7-on-7s, with both Sanders and Dillon Gabriel throwing picks on tipped or deflected balls. This is a reminder that even in a low-pressure situation like 7-on-7s, mistakes can happen. However, Monken's frustration is understandable, as sloppy ball is something he abhors.
In other news, several players, including Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit, Maliek Collins, and Mike Hall Jr., were absent from voluntary OTA No. 2. This is not uncommon, as these players are not required to attend. However, it's worth noting that Hall appeared in photos on the team's website on Tuesday, which is a positive sign.
Overall, the OTAs have provided an exciting glimpse into the Browns' progress, with Judkins' recovery and Boston's emergence standing out. As the team continues to install and learn, the coaching staff will be keen to see how the rookies develop and how the veterans perform. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the team's depth chart and the players' roles for the upcoming season.
