“The Cleveland Browns’ offense delivered a flurry of touchdowns during OTA Day 5, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders both finding success against a defensive unit that struggled to contain them. Defensive breakdowns, including three interceptions, underscored the team’s ongoing challenges as they prepare for the 2026 season. These organized team activities are the first phase of the mandatory installation period for new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who is tasked with integrating a high-volume passing attack that prioritizes vertical routes over the conservative schemes utilized in 2024. The practice session, held at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, saw the first-team offense consistently exploit soft spots in zone coverage, a persistent issue that plagued the defensive secondary throughout the previous campaign.”
Offensive Line Rebuild and Zion Johnson’s Arrival
The Browns’ offensive line underwent significant changes ahead of the 2025 season, with new additions like Zion Johnson reshaping the unit. Johnson, signed from the Chargers in March, brings versatility to a line that struggled in 2023, ranking #31 in the league. His ability to play multiple positions, including left tackle—a role he held in college—has drawn praise from analysts. “The draw was clear for me: I could see the potential with the talent on this team,” Johnson said in his introductory presser, per Dawgs By Nature. Johnson’s arrival serves as a hedge against the injury history of the current tackle corps, specifically addressing the volatility at the position where Cleveland surrendered the second-highest sack percentage in the AFC North last year.
The rebuild began with general manager Andrew Berry’s aggressive free agency moves, including a one-year, $3.05 million deal for Teven Jenkins and the trade for Tytus Howard. However, key veterans like Jack Conklin and Joel Bitonio remain absent, leaving questions about depth. The starting five for 2025 includes RT KT Leveston, RG Teven Jenkins, C Luke Wypler, LG Joel Bitonio, and LT Cam Robinson—a lineup that contrasts sharply with the 2023 group. Bitonio, who remains under contract through 2026, has been managing a lower-body soft tissue issue that has kept him out of team drills, though team medical staff confirmed he is expected to be a full participant by the time training camp opens in late July. His absence has afforded rookie linemen increased reps in the interior, a critical development given the team’s lack of veteran depth behind the current starters.
Defensive Struggles and Interception Highlights
While the offense shined, the defense faced criticism for its performance. During OTA Day 5, Sanders’ passes were intercepted three times, including a pick by rookie LB Justin Jefferson after a bounce-off. Watson’s throw to Jeudy in the end zone also resulted in an interception, highlighting the unit’s vulnerability. These lapses come as the Browns aim to improve from their 2023 defensive ranking, which lagged behind elite teams. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz emphasized in a post-practice media availability that these turnovers were the result of “miscommunication in the nickel package,” specifically noting that the secondary’s inability to switch assignments on crossing routes led to the windows Watson and Sanders exploited. The defensive unit is currently operating without three projected starters due to precautionary injury designations, which has forced a rotation of undrafted free agents into high-leverage reps.
QB Competition and Undrafted Opportunities
The quarterback battle between Watson and Sanders dominated headlines, but insiders like Zac Jackson of The Athletic argue it’s a distraction. “The reality at this stage is that Cleveland’s quarterback competition may be interesting, but it’s not very important,” Jackson wrote. He pointed to undrafted rookies like Logan Fano and Khordae Sydnor as the true story, noting their “fair shot at sticking” with a roster lacking depth. Fano, a defensive end prospect, has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his lateral quickness, earning him reps with the second-team defense during team-period drills. The Browns’ current roster construction, which features 88 players, requires the front office to identify at least three undrafted contributors to reach the necessary depth requirements for the 53-man roster limit.
Jackson’s analysis aligns with the Browns’ broader strategy: “With a new coaching staff and the need to add depth at most positions, any undrafted rookie with the Browns should feel he has at least a fair shot at sticking.” This philosophy extends beyond the defensive line, with 10 drafted players and 15 2025 rookies competing for roles. The team’s salary cap situation, which remains tight due to the restructuring of high-value veteran contracts, makes the inclusion of low-cost, high-upside rookies an economic necessity. Coach Kevin Stefanski has reiterated that the final roster decisions will not be made until the conclusion of the three-game preseason slate, where these undrafted players will receive significant fourth-quarter action.
On-Field Highlights from OTA Day 5
The offensive highlights were undeniable. Watson connected with Jamari Thrash, Denzel Boston, and Jerry Jeudy for touchdowns during 11-on-11 drills, while Sanders found Gage Larvadain and Tylan Wallace. In 7-on-7 sessions, Watson and Gabriel both found success, though the defense’s struggles persisted. These plays showcased the team’s offensive firepower but raised questions about whether the defense can keep up. The efficiency of the passing game was facilitated by the absence of heavy blitz packages, as the coaching staff has mandated that defensive front-seven players refrain from contact with the quarterbacks during the OTA period to prevent injury. Despite this, the offensive line showed improved pocket integrity compared to the 2024 minicamp, allowing the quarterbacks more than 3.5 seconds to survey the field on over 60% of their dropbacks.
What’s Next for the Browns?
As the Browns enter training camp, the focus will shift to the defensive line’s development and the integration of undrafted talent. The offensive line’s stability remains critical, with Johnson’s versatility offering a potential solution to injuries. Meanwhile, the quarterback competition—though less urgent than it appears—will likely continue to draw attention. The next major milestone for the team is the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12, where full attendance is expected. Following that, the players will break until the start of training camp at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, where the team will conduct joint practices with two yet-to-be-announced NFC opponents.
For fans, the message is clear: the Browns’ 2026 season hinges on solving defensive gaps and maximizing the potential of their young roster. As one insider noted, “It’s way too early to know which of this year’s undrafted rookies might make a real push at creating a role,” but the opportunities are there. The team is currently monitoring the recovery of three key defensive starters, all of whom are slated for re-evaluation by the team’s chief medical officer prior to the mid-July report date. The success of the upcoming season, which features a strength of schedule ranked 14th in the league, will depend heavily on whether the defensive secondary can replicate the ball-hawking tendencies displayed by the offense during these early summer sessions.
Browns’ offensive highlights
Zion Johnson’s impact
The team’s ability to develop depth at key positions will ultimately determine whether their ambitious plans translate into on-field success this season.
