Browns minicamp: 5 storylines, including the obvious Deshaun Watson one, to watch

The Cleveland Browns take the next step in the 2024 NFL offseason with mandatory minicamp opening on Tuesday. For the first time since the end of the season, attendance is required unless excused by the team. Thankfully, the Browns don’t have any contract disputes like their Week 1 opponent.

For the most part, Cleveland has had a mostly boring offseason with no huge moves that changed much of the team. Instead, GM Andrew Berry focused on retaining talent before he and HC Kevin Stefanski finalized their contract extensions last week.

Heading into Browns minicamp, here are five storylines that we are interested in watching:

Deshaun Watson Participation and “Zip Watch”

We know that Watson’s participation will be monitored closely but it is clear that the team is following cautious medical guidance so their QB can be “the best version” of himself. If/when he does throw, it will be interesting to see how hard he is able to throw and does it look like the ball is exploding out of his hand or not.

Mike Vrabel’s Paricipation

Vrabel is one of the most interesting additions this offseason as he was not replacing anyone in a specific role. Instead, Vrabel will be a consultant to both Berry and Stefanski. We saw him on the field during special teams drills during OTAs as well as talking to Stefanski and players. Seeing where he is focused during minicamp will be interesting as well.

Ken Dorsey’s Offense(?)

Stefanski has still not announced who will be calling plays but we have heard a couple of players, including new QB Jameis Winston, talk about the offense like it is Dorsey’s. We expect to see fewer two tight-end personnel but what else looks different with Dorsey taking over as OC? Cleveland is unlikely to show much but what they do will be picked apart.

Health Especially on the Offensive Line

The Browns have a good problem with three starting tackles. There is also the concern that Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills and Dawand Jones all finished the season injured. Jones was back on the field for OTAs, will either Wills or Conklin join him in minicamp? RB Nyheim Hines and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson are two other offensive players returning from injury, among others, that will be monitored this week.

Jerry Jeudy

The biggest addition this offseason was the trade for Jeudy. He has looked sharp in OTAs but minicamp could give him a chance to shine. If Jeudy looks explosive and makes a few plays, the hype for the Cleveland offense could start to heat up.