Our recurring "things to watch" articles take on a completely different meaning when it pertains to this weekend's Browns rookie minicamp.
On Saturday, fans will have the rare opportunity to watch a Browns rookie minicamp practice from start to finish at the team's Fan Fest, which is set to begin at 10 a.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium. Those in attendance will get a close look at the Browns' 14 draft picks, 11 undrafted free agent signings and many more while enjoying everything else Fan Fest has to offer.
With that in mind, here's what may stand out most at the weekend's practices.
1. Kessler on the spot
Third-round quarterback Cody Kessler will be busy this weekend. With the team's other four quarterbacks ineligible to participate in a minicamp such as this and no undrafted free agents added to the position, Kessler will be the only rostered player under center from start to finish. Coach Hue Jackson has lauded the former USC product for his accuracy and demeanor at the position, and Kessler has made it clear he's thrilled to be a Brown. After months of reviewing his film and researching every facet of his game, Jackson will get his first opportunity to work side by side with Kessler on the field.
2. Busy time for WRs coach Al Saunders
The Browns hit the wide receiver position early and hard in the NFL Draft, and the fruits of that labor will be on display all weekend. First-round pick Corey Coleman and Day 3 picks Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins will get their first on-field work with Al Saunders, a 46-year coaching veteran. It's not out of the realm of possibilities to think all four of these players will have a significant role in 2016, and this weekend will serve as the beginning of their respective paths to playing time.
3. Plenty of options at DB
The Browns waited until their third pick of the fourth round to add a defensive back to the room, but they hit the position hard with the addition of four undrafted free agents, and there likely will be a tryout player or two to evaluate over the weekend. The Browns will have two new starters at safety in 2016 and are looking for depth at cornerback, as Pro Bowler Joe Haden recovers from offseason ankle surgery and a number of others enter the season coming off up-and-down performances in 2015. Of note, this will be former TCU safety Derrick Kindred's first opportunity to play some football in a long time without having to deal with the pain of a broken collarbone, an injury he played with throughout his entire senior season.
4. Some competition for Travis Coons
Maryland's Brad Craddock, an undrafted free agent kicker, carries some serious credentials, giving the Browns a Lou Groza Award winner who has trained with former Browns kicker Matt Stover. He'll be kicking alongside Travis Coons, who won a tooth-and-nail competition that began in offseason workouts and ended Week 3 of training camp. Coons is coming off a solid rookie campaign that saw him make the first 18 attempts of his career. Craddock, who hails from Australia, had his senior season end prematurely because of an injury, but he's healthy now and able to provide some competition for Cleveland's second-year kicker.
5. Who's the next K'Waun Williams?
At this time two years ago, Williams was an undersized defensive back from the University of Pittsburgh giving his NFL dream one more shot as a tryout player with the Browns. Not only did Williams impress the coaching staff enough to earn a contract, but he maintained the momentum all the way through training camp to land a spot on the 53-man roster and has played a pivotal role as the team's nickel cornerback over the past two seasons. Every year in every NFL camp, there's a surprise player or two who seemingly come out of nowhere. Even though the Browns have their largest draft class since 1979, there's always room for the next diamond in the rough.
