Browns round-table with Nick Shook, Michael Reghi, Garrett Bush, Jordan Zirm and Jeff Risdon
By: Brad Ward | June 15, 2019 7:42 am ET
The Cleveland Browns have wrapped minicamp and won’t start training camp until late July. This period is particularly brutal this year with all of the excitement surrounding this team. We are now forced to wait through a period in the NFL when no news about your team is the best-case scenario.
I have taken this time as an opportunity to reach out to some of the most renowned Browns minds around town and ask them five pressing questions about the 2019 Browns. These gentlemen were very gracious in my request for their knowledge. Enjoy!
Here are the round-table participants:
Nick Shook @(TheNickShook on Twitter) –
Nick Shook has covered the Browns as the team’s staff writer since February 2019. Prior to joining the Browns, Nick contributed to NFL.com from 2014-2019, writing for Around The NFL, CFB 24/7, Behind the Offensive Line, Greatness on the Road, Oklahoma Drill, Path to the Draft and additional assorted content. He also made occasional appearances on the Around The NFL Podcast, currently appears on Cleveland Browns Daily on ESPN 850 WKNR, and gets more excited about a pulling guard than a kid on Christmas.
Michael Regi (@MichaelReghi on Twitter) –
In 2019, Michael Reghi begins his 34th season calling college football play-by-play for ESPN. Browns preseason play-by-play in three seasons, ’99-’00 television, 2013 radio. Hosted Browns pre/post game, and weekly coaches and players shows, ESPN Cleveland, 2007-2013.
NBA & MLB television play-by-play broadcaster for 21 seasons. Thirteen years calling the Cleveland Cavaliers, eight seasons calling the Baltimore Orioles. Called two seasons (2005-2006) MLB for ESPN.
Has been awarded three Emmy’s for play-by-play excellence.
Garrett Bush (@GBush91 on Twitter) –
Garrett Bush is the host of The Barbershop every Saturday 11:00 am -3:00 pm on 92.3 FM The Fan, Co-Host of The Cleveland Browns Tailgate Show Sundays 8:00 am-11:00 am on 92.3 FM The Fan.
Jordan Zirm (@Clevezirm on Twitter) –
Jordan Zirm writes at Uproxx and is host of The Rebuild Podcast, Producer for The ThomaHawk Podcast.
Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon on Twitter)-
Jeff Risdon is Managing Editor at USA Today SMG’s Browns Wire.
Area of Concern
At this point in the offseason, what is your biggest area of concern with the 2019 Browns?
Nick Shook:
I wouldn’t call it an area of concern so much as an area of intrigue, and it’s the offensive line. We get to watch an interior stocked with experience (Eric Kush, Bryan Witzmann) battle it out with a few inexperienced guys in Austin Corbett, Kyle Kalis and Drew Forbes. The last of that group was drafted as a tackle, but it’s pretty clear in watching him perform he’ll be a guard before long. He was receiving right guard snaps near the end of minicamp.
Some people are concerned by the void left by the departure of Kevin Zeitler via trade, but I say leave those concerns at home. John Dorsey did a solid job of adding veterans who can step in and do an adequate job in a pinch in Kush and Witzmann, two guys who had to do exactly that for a Bears team that won the NFC North. I also think most of the five aforementioned players will work on the ability to snap, creating a reliable backup option at any of the three interior positions.
I saw someone write the other day that lining Baker Mayfield up behind a line that has a question at right guard and is starting Greg Robinson at left tackle is inexcusable, or something along those lines. Did they not watch how the line performed with Robinson at LT down the stretch last season? This group will end up being much stronger than people think, and I’m excited to watch how it ends up shaking out once the pads come on.
Michael Reghi:
The overall player quality and depth of the linebacker position. While Schobert and Kirksey are solid, neither is an elite difference maker. While looked upon as an edge rusher, Genard Avery’s production will be vital to this position group making strides as the 2019 season unfolds.
I look for two drafted rookies, Sione Takitaki, and Mack Wilson to be given prime opportunities to contribute immediately. Takitaki is a 240-pound ‘thumper’, that should bolster the unit’s capabilities against the run. A caveat to this could be defensive coordinator Steve Wilks desires to add a safety to create a ‘4-2-5’ personnel package more often than the norm, which could benefit any line backing issues the defense could encounter.
Garrett Bush:
Believe it or not, I’m going off the grid with my answer. My biggest concern is the backup QB position. Drew Stanton and Garrett Gilbert doesn’t give me any security that if Baker goes down for 3-4 games the Browns can stay afloat. The roster is too talented not to have a proven back-up QB that can put points on the board if the unthinkable were to happen.
Jordan Zirm:
It’s probably the offensive line. The saga of Austin Corbett has been a strange one. You trade Kevin Zeitler for Olivier Vernon/OBJ every single time, but with Corbett spending much of OTAs and minicamp at backup center, it remains to be seen whether or not he can be a legitimate replacement at right guard. Can Greg Robinson continue his redemption tour? The only thing that can slow this Browns offense down is if Baker Mayfield is running for his life after every snap. It’s on the revamped offensive line to prevent that from happening.
Jeff Risdon:
Offensive tackle. I just don’t trust Greg Robinson to not be awful again at left tackle. Chris Hubbard was underwhelming on the right side and the depth is abysmal.
Duke Johnson and RB2
If you were John Dorsey, how would you handle Duke Johnson and the RB2 position?
Nick Shook:
The team is deeper than I think even we realize at the position, so I don’t think they can go wrong no matter what they decide to do. As Freddie Kitchens said last week, Duke Johnson will have an important role on this team for as long as he is on this team. Stump Mitchell raved about Duke’s excellent ability to run with the ball and also catch passes out of the backfield, adding that they’ve studied some of Duke’s tape as examples for other backs. And as with any commodity (except for Mayfield), you listen to all offers but don’t make a trade until you get the right offer. I think it would take a decent amount for the Browns to part ways with Johnson, and until then, there’s no reason to wring hands over it.
Dontrell Hilliard looks much improved and has been one of my favorite players to watch, and I think he’ll make the team out of camp. He could step into Johnson’s role if Johnson departs, as he stated is his desire last week. Until that happens, though, I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as we’ve made it out to be.
Michael Reghi:
I’d continue to give Dontrell Hilliard every opportunity to continue his growth as a potential RB2 behind Nick Chubb, until Kareem Hunt rejoins the team in Week 9. Should confidence grow in the belief that Hilliard can handle the 5-8 touches he’d get per game, I’d move Johnson, with the understanding the return won’t be better than a fifth rounder, most likely. Duke Johnson, with or without this team, isn’t going to be a primary factor in its overall success, or failure, to win the division or make the playoffs.
Garrett Bush:
John Dorsey should do exactly what he has done so far. Keep calm and sleep well knowing he has all the leverage in the Duke Johnson saga. The Browns don’t have to panic and do anything, Johnson is under contract and healthy. He will be a major piece in their offense for at least the first 8 games of the year until Kareem Hunt enters the fold. Duke will be motivated to prove he is a feature back and will play hard. The talk in the media is small beans. When training camp starts and the pads start cracking Duke will be ready.
Jordan Zirm:
If I’m John Dorsey, I’m working to find a trade partner for Duke. Duke will be a professional, and he was engaged during mini-camp. But the fact remains: he’s unhappy and would like to be traded. It’s already caused friction in the locker room, and probably won’t get any better.
Even with Kareem Hunt suspended for the first eight games, the Browns can get by with Nick Chubb and Dontrell Hilliard, who they appear to be high on. It’s just not worth keeping Duke around for the sake of it.
Jeff Risdon:
He is not worth the headache. Like Baker Mayfield said, you’re either on the train or you’re not. Duke doesn’t want to be on the train and the train will run just fine without him. Trade him for whatever someone will offer, but don’t do it until training camp opens.
The AFC North
Who are the Browns toughest competition in the AFC North and why?
Nick Shook:
It’s a tough call as of now, but it’s a close one between the Steelers and Ravens. Baltimore had a fantastic defense last season and saw key pieces leave in free agency. How the Ravens perform after their retooling is paramount to their success or failure, as is the continued development of Lamar Jackson as an NFL quarterback.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, isn’t the reigning division champion but still feels like the barometer for the Browns, even after trading away Antonio Brown. Sweeping both would be a huge accomplishment for these Browns, and a major mental boost for a team that still needs to prove the hype is warranted.
Michael Reghi:
The Baltimore Ravens. While many will tell you, the defensive losses were significant, John Harbaugh is a top ten NFL head coach, who always keeps his defense formidable. While the Lamar Jackson passing game capability will need to show definitive improvement, the run game was powerful in 2018, and should still prosper. Going into 2019, the Ravens are the team that needs to be knocked off the AFC North division winning perch.
Garrett Bush:
My first reaction is to say the Baltimore Ravens; however, I’m not going to be stupid. The correct answer is always the Pittsburgh Steelers!
I believe Lamar Jackson is set to take a step back in his progression this year and losing key players on defense will really hurt Harbaugh and the Ravens. The Steelers will be more of a traditional ground and pound team this year with the departure of Antonio Brown but that might not necessarily be a bad thing. Ben Roethlisberger will be more efficient and take less hits, and turn the ball over less often.
The question is can the Steelers finally find someone to cover in the back end especially given the Browns upgraded skill positions at receiver and running back. The Steelers are on paper less talented than years prior, but don’t be fooled — they are still the biggest threat to the Browns in the AFC North.
Jordan Zirm:
Honestly? I think it’s the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson’s ceiling remains to be seen, but adding Mark Ingram and Marquise Brown to that offense should help him out tremendously. And yes, the Ravens lost a lot of pieces on defense, but they were able to snag Earl Thomas in free agency to help soften that blow. I just don’t trust the Steelers, who lost two dynamic play-makers and have drama simmering around every corner.
Jeff Risdon:
Baltimore is the defending champ so that makes them the default answer. To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man (in Ric Flair voice). They have a changing roster but I still like a lot of their defensive talent, and Lamar Jackson is a unique match-up that will alter game prep. Notice I didn’t say he was great, but playing such a divergent attack can be an issue.
He is not worth the headache. Like Baker Mayfield said, you’re either on the train or you’re not. Duke doesn’t want to be on the train and the train will run just fine without him. Trade him for whatever someone will offer, but don’t do it until training camp opens.
Critical to success
Excluding Baker Mayfield, what player or position group’s play will be the most critical to the Browns success? Why?
Nick Shook:
Linebackers. The Browns struggled mightily against the run last season and attempted to address that with the additions made to the front four, but the strength of this defense will still rely on how well the linebackers play within it. I’m really interested to see how Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson acclimate to the pro game once the pads come on, because if they can make an impact early, this defense will be significantly deeper and better as a result. Defense still wins championships, and Cleveland has a front four and secondary capable of doing so. It’ll be up to the linebackers to answer the call.
Michael Reghi:
As I’ve already mentioned my linebacker concern, I’ll swing to the offensive side of the ball here, as the overall play of the offensive line will be critical. I’m not a big admirer of the starting offensive tackles, both pedestrian at best, (WHY isn’t perennial Pro Bowler Mitch Schwartz dominating as a Brown any longer????….egregious former GM error!) left guard Joel Bitonio, and center JC Tretter, along with who emerges as the starting right guard to replace Kevin Zeitler, will need to keep this offensive line intact on the interior.
A major move upward from Austin Corbett would validate the confidence John Dorsey placed in him as a very early 2nd round choice in 2018, and will be needed for the unit to prosper.
Garrett Bush:
The defensive line will be the most pivotal unit and key to the Browns success in 2019. The Browns didn’t land Gerald McCoy but they still have far and away the best starting front four in the AFC North. With the key acquisitions of Vernon and Richardson, the Browns have the ability to rush with four and stop the run at the same time. This is going to free up a lot of different drops and coverage looks for new Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks. Myles Garrett could have a monster 20 plus sack type year if healthy for 16 games.
Jordan Zirm:
Outside of Baker, it’s Odell Beckham Jr. We all know the talent he possesses. For the Browns to go as far as we think they can (the playoffs and beyond), OBJ needs to be at his peak. His presence on the field will open everything else up.
Jeff Risdon:
All the investment in the defensive line has to pay off. Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardson, Olivier Vernon, Larry Ogunjobi, with Genard Avery and Trevon Coley (and others) providing depth–that should be a great unit. If they don’t play to their potential, the rest of the defense will not work.
Biggest Fear
What is the thing that scares you the most for the Browns?
Nick Shook:
As with any team with great expectations, it’s overall team health. I just want this team to make it to Week 1 fully healthy.
Michael Reghi:
While ‘scared isn’t quite the approach I’d take here, the Browns should pay very close attention to the want, or not, of many of their ‘star quality’ performers to keep ‘team’ ahead of personal desires. ‘Subjugating Ego’! Could it become a problem in the Browns locker room?
It’s professional sports, so the answer to that question is always, ‘Yes’. Some thick skin may be required, say, if players offensively don’t feel they ‘saw the ball’ enough in a particular game. How will that be handled? Baker Mayfield will be the one being asked about it each week and needs to handle the questioning professionally.
Secondly, while Freddie Kitchens was excellent in his half-season role as offensive coordinator, his head coaching hat will need to be worn much differently. Fact is, while he could make the step with ease, the NFL has been littered down through the decades with competent coordinators, who flamed out when given head coaching opportunities. My initial belief, before the football flies, is Kitchens will make the transition smoothly. We won’t know in earnest until we see results.
Garrett Bush:
What scares me the most about the Browns is what scares me the most about any contenders in the NFL. Injuries. They are going to happen. Its unavoidable. The only question is when and who. That’s why I’m so impressed with the way Dorsey has built this roster. He’s hedged his bet at just about each position and you can see the contingency plan in his meticulous selections in the draft, trades, and free agency.
Jordan Zirm:
It’s injuries. OBJ has dealt with them. Denzel Ward had two concussions last season. If Baker Mayfield were to miss time, the backup QBs on the roster don’t exactly inspire confidence. One of the only things that can really derail this train is key players missing time.
Jeff Risdon:
So much is expected of a team that is so precocious. A rookie head coach managing all those considerable talents and egos, all of which belong to players with little NFL experience. I do believe in Freddie Kitchens but it’s unrealistic to think there won’t be adversity. How does the green group handle it?
I hope you enjoyed the round-table as everyone did a fantastic job answering the questions. If you liked this format, stay tuned for a look around the AFC North when I will get a report from talented writers in each of the other cities in the division.