When the Browns drafted Nick Chubb this past spring, they sang the rookie's praises as an old-school, no frills running back who will thrive in Cleveland.
So far, Chubb continues to prove them right. The second-round pick from Georgia put together another impressive practice as he competes for carries with vets Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde, another bruiser whom the Browns signed in free agency.
"Nick has had a good camp. I think that the running backs – Carlos , Duke and Nick – have all done a good job," head coach Hue Jackson said. "They're picking up the system well, making plays. He had a good day. Somebody is blocking for him, too. I think that the offensive line did some good things, as well."
Chubb, the 35th overall pick, ran for at least 100 yards 24 different times during his career at Georgia.
— Jabrill Peppers was champing at the bit to join his teammates in training camp. The Browns set the second-year strong safety loose for Monday's practice, his first since being placed on the team's non-football injury list with a groin injury to start camp.
Jackson said the former first-round pick will have some catching up to do. "I think Jabrill is a very talented player, but at the same time you have to practice football," he said. "I think we have a lot of young guys that have to practice, and get back to playing football, making football plays and getting your body ready for the grind of football."
— Challenged by Jackson and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, Corey Coleman put together another solid showing, making multiple contested catches during team drills. It was an encouraging sight as the Browns hope the third-year receiver and former first-round pick makes a splash in 2018.
"I think that his confidence is growing. Corey is a confident player anyway. This is Year 3, the fifth day in this and he just kind of understands that you have to grind through it. He has done that," Jackson said. "I've been really impressed. He has come out every day, been a little sore, but has fought through it and went out and made plays."
Coleman — who has 56 catches for 718 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons — has missed 13 games with broken hands.
— Joining Peppers in his camp debut was rookie defensive end Chad Thomas, who was activated from the team's physically unable to participate (PUP) list following a sports hernia. "He's a big athlete who's physical. I will learn more about him when he puts on the pads full-time and come out here and compete with our guys when that time comes," Jackson said. "I think that he can bring another element, from what we saw on tape when he was coming out. He is big and strong. He can hold a point and rush. It gives us another one of those types of players." Thomas, a former Miami standout and third-round pick, posted 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks last year.
— The Browns won't practice Tuesday as part of league rules. Jackson implored his players to make good decisions on their day off. "Be smart tonight," he said, laughing. "We need all of you back, and I just think that's a lesson for our players. When you get a chance to have some free time, what do you do with it?"
— Rookie linebacker Genard Avery (groin) did not practice. The fifth-round pick has taken some first-team reps in practice.
