Several Browns Players Thrive Amid Scheme Changes in Preseason Debut

Although the Cleveland Browns weren't utilizing their front line players against the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame Game, they did show off some of the adjustments they've made to their offense and defense. Some players thrived and a handful warrant a further look the rest of the preseason.

The Browns utilized their run game heavily out of shotgun, though they mixed in some under center looks in the second half with rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the game. A heavy dose of inside zone with some pin and pull concepts action gave them flexibility running the ball inside. In all, the Browns ran the ball for 172 yards on 33 carries, 5.2 yards per carry.

The Browns hired Bill Musgrave, who was previously the offensive coordinator at Cal this offseason. Musgrave coached under Chip Kelly with the Philadelphia Eagles, who is now the head coach at UCLA and it stood out how comfortable the two former Bruins looked in this game.

Demetric Felton looked like he was back in college. After two seasons as a receiver back, Felton was put back at running back and fared well against the Jets. He showed off his speed and slashing ability, rushing for 46 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries. He also chipped in two receptions for another 9 yards.

To this point, the Browns haven't felt the need to bring in a more proven running back. The performance of Felton and John Kelly Jr. may have further extended the front office's patience on that front. Felton is more than capable of catching the ball out of the backfield, but if he can continue to look like someone who can run the ball effectively at his size, he could earn that third running back spot.

That was followed up by undrafted rookie Hassan Hall. The Browns offense gave him multiple runways where could be ramp up his speed. Hall only had five carries but two of them combined for 30 of his 34 yards.

It also stood out just how much the Browns wanted to lean on their wide receiver blocking. They took advantage of the size of Cedric Tillman, David Bell and Daylen Baldwin as often as possible. Unfortunately for Baldwin, he suffered a hamstring injury that will leave him out for up to two months.

The combination of speed backs and big, physical wide receivers which can be used both in condensed formations to create blocking angles as well as out wide to spread out the defense could enable the Browns to generate explosive running plays between the tackles.

Defensively, the Browns were stouter defending the interior run. They lost contain on a Prince Abanikanda run for a touchdown, but they only surrendered a whopping 53 yards on 23 carries overall.

The defensive tackles weren't bad, but they didn't do anything to diminish concerns at that position either. Jordan Elliott and Maurice Hurst didn't give up a ton of ground, but they didn't do anything to stand out in this game either. Rookie Siaki Ika had a couple moments as well.

The linebackers provided a huge lift throughout the game. A position that is often criticized over a perceived lack of talent stood out throughout the game. While they weren't perfect and each had a play or two they wish they had back, Jordan Kunaszyk and Tony Fields consistently did their jobs.

They got downhill quickly and Kunaszyk was violent in either collisioning blockers so teammates could make a tackle or sifting his way through trash. Meanwhile, Fields showed good vision, able to locate and get to the ballcarriers before they were able to produce much yardage.

One of the players I'd like to see more is Charlie Thomas III. A player I liked as an undrafted free agent fit for the Browns, he made the biggest hit of the night, cutting a ball carrier in half and causing a fumble that went out of bounds. He's fast and violent with the ability to contribute on special teams. My biggest concern with him is how often he wants to leave his feet to make tackles. It looks great when it works but it's inherently risky.

His chances of making the active roster are pretty slim, but he has a skill set that could be a weekly call up from the practice squad for depth and special teams help. It's a similar situation with Lonnie Phelps, the Kansas pass rusher. 

The Browns pass rush was non-existent against the Jets, which isn't the end of the world so long as players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire are consistent run defenders. That has value in a rotation with Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Phelps has a little more juice rushing the passer and was on special teams.

Of the safeties that participated in the game, Bubba Bolden had the biggest impact, able to get in some tackles and close the game with the interception. That's not to say others played poorly since the Jets didn't barely moved the ball in the game. If not for turnovers, this game wouldn't have been close. It was worth noting that when Ronnie Hickman made a tackle near the sideline, he was able to rip the ball out. It had no bearing on the play, but it's simply a good habit.

Offensively, Thomas Greaney is intriguing. The Albany tight end was able to get open and catch a few passes. He needs to keep gaining strength to help with his blocking, but he seems like an ideal player to have on the practice squad.

Likewise, Austin Watkins Jr. is a player that warrants more opportunities. He caught a couple passes, but the touchdown stands out because he caused the Jets defender to lose his balance with his route. He caught DTR's pass in stride and scored easily. Watkins fits in the mold the Browns like at that position, listed 6'3" 210 pounds. Making the active roster will be an uphill climb, but for the former CFL and USFL receiver could be a priority for the practice squad. If he suddenly disappears from preseason games, that might be the reason.