The Browns wrapped up Day 2 of organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday in Berea, and while Jarvis Landry and a few others spent the afternoon watching from the sidelines, it was the first session open to the media.
That included ClevelandBrowns.com, of course, and for some, a sunburn. Here are some brief observations from Day 2.
1. Kareem Hunt looking like his Pro Bowl self
He might not be on the field until after the Browns' first eight games, but Kareem Hunt will be a delight to watch in brown and orange. His rare ability was evident even in the non-contact environment that is OTAs. Hunt shook linebacker Anthony Stubbs in a one-on-ones run out of the backfield, showing a spring in his step that helped him speed past defenders when he starred for the Chiefs. Every rep is just different with Hunt, and fans will see the dimension he brings to a Browns offense that hasn't seen a projected tandem like Chubb and Hunt since the power-running days of Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack.
2. Antonio Callaway looks sharp
Baker Mayfield said it himself Wednesday: You can tell Callaway has spent the offseason trying to become a better receiver. Callaway looks quick, his routes are crisp and his hands appear to be improved. He stood out every time he touched the ball and is the type of player who could make a large leap in Year 2, especially as part of a corps that includes Landry and Odell Beckham.
"I think I can speak for a few people. We've been very pleasantly and very happy with how he came back from the offseason ready to go," Mayfield said of Callaway. "Just how quick he is and you can tell he's been working on his craft. That's very exciting to see that. You bring a guy in like Odell and you re-sign some guys and he's going to try and compete with them. That's the most important part. Competition brings out the best in them and Callaway is doing that."
3. Things are different under Freddie Kitchens
Kitchens does not accept subpar performances from anyone and will not allow the practice agenda to override getting things right. Practice will end when it ends under Kitchens, who is out to lead a winning team, not just an exciting team. He's also focused on the team aspect of it. Point in case: Receiver Derrick Willies and cornerback Lenzy Pipkins got into a rare OTAs physical altercation Wednesday and had to be separated. As each walked their own ways off the field, Kitchens halted both -- and the entire group session -- to bring the two back together to talk it out. It's clear that Kitchens is focused on cultivating a team-first environment and none of the 90 on the roster are exempt from such treatment.
4. The Browns are deep at tight end
They're deep, and they're tall. Very tall. A scan across the field picked up the usual suspects of height (looking at you, Brad Seaton), but the Browns are suddenly big at tight end. We all know about David Njoku's build, but Demetrius Harris brings his basketball-playing frame to the field and jumps out, as does Pharaoh Brown. Add those three to a group that also includes Seth DeValve and Orson Charles and you'll quickly see how this will be quite the training camp battle for roster spots at the position.
5. ...that depth extends to offensive line
OTAs are a good time for second- and third-string players to get reps with the starters in an effort to improve at an increased rate. Kyle Kalis could be seen rotating in at right guard with the starters, while Austin Corbett spent some time playing alongside Eric Kush (who was playing center) with the assumed second-string group. That shouldn't cause any reaction, drastic or otherwise, but it was interesting to see. Kalis is a big-bodied former 4-star recruit out of Lakewood St. Edward and was a late arrival last season.
BONUS: Dontrell Hilliard had a nice day
After a rookie year split between the practice squad and active roster, Hilliard looks improved. He made many contested catches in one-on-ones out of the backfield and looked very fluid. He was one of Wednesday's best, without a doubt.
