The Cleveland Browns kicked off their OTAs this week. Head coach Todd Monken is taking things slow to begin the OTAs as he’s installing a new system in the Browns’ camp.

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson had their practices during different periods on Wednesday. Monken said that the quarterbacks will alternate in the opportunities they’re given for the time being.

“Well, you can’t beat your guys to the ground, so it’s about getting reps,” said Monken. “The start of practice being more of a jog-through allows you to buy some reps and allows you to do more two-spotting.”

When asked about the QB competition and if he had a leader there, Monken answered that he hopes to have the depth chart set up before the minicamp. 

Per Fred Greetham of the Orange and Brown Report, Monken added that the Browns went with the “two-spot” situation during their second OTA practice on Wednesday. They had QBs Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel on one end and QBs Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green on the other.

Monken further gave progress reports on both Watson and Sanders. For Sanders, he said that the young QB has come a long way with his progressions and understanding of concepts. 

For Watson, Monken considered it really cool that Watson wants to battle, take his career forward, and change the narrative. He was particularly proud of Watson’s athleticism and called it a superpower and a weapon for him, considering the QB is coming off two Achilles surgeries in the previous year. 

Monken did not provide any hint as to which QB is taking the lead between Watson and Sanders. His only focus for now is to build depth while rotating both quarterbacks, “play the best player,” and also observe those rookies who are performing exceptionally well. 

Head Coach Todd Monken Gushes Over Wide Receiver Denzel Boston

The rookies made a full impact in team workouts during the OTAs. One rookie who stood out the most to Coach Monken with his impressive catches was wide receiver Denzel Boston.

The highlight was when Watson connected with Boston for a 35-40 yard touchdown over two defenders over the sideline.

“That was awesome, wasn’t it? Wasn’t that cool? I mean, I know I’m an offensive head coach, but h***, you know, you get a draft pick, and it’s one of the most talented guys in the league. So it’s encouraging, right?” said Monken after the OTAs. “That’s what you want to see. You want to see your guys, especially some of your younger draft picks, make some of those plays.”

While Monken was impressed with Boston and the highlight-reel catch he made, he did point out a few things that the WR needs to work on. He said that Boston needs to learn the offense, but acknowledged that players learn that at their own pace.

What are your thoughts on the Browns QB competition?

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi