Tony Grossi, ESPN Cleveland 7y

As training camp ends, Hue Jackson says Browns are stronger and mentally tougher

Editor's note: Tony Grossi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR.

More takeaways from Day 17 of Browns training camp …

1. Good omen?: On the last day of training camp, it rained. That alone is progress from recent years when it rained on the first day of camp – drawing a dark cloud over proceedings from the very beginning. When lightning sirens sounded, the players rushed to the facility, Hue Jackson called practice after four plays indoors – about 45 minutes early. Still, Jackson declared it a successful camp. “The team is really competitive on both sides of the ball,” Jackson concluded. “It is a group that will get after you. We are physically better than where we were a year ago. We are more mentally tougher. We are stronger. And like I said, I think it is a better roster.” Camp officially closed after meetings and players departed to their private residences. Attention now shifts to the regular season. But there are unsettled matters to resolve before preparation for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 10 begin in earnest.

2. QB competition concluding: The quarterback situation should be resolved prior to the third preseason game in Tampa on Aug. 26. If Brock Osweiler shows improvement in his second start Monday night against the Giants – as he, the veteran players, and the coaches expect -- he will be named the starting quarterback for the season. If Osweiler stumbles, and DeShone Kizer has a good showing against the Giants’ No. 2 defense, Jackson may have a tough decision on what to do next.

3. Loose ends: Other than quarterback, Jackson cited the following issues still lingering with the coaches: 1. Development from the maligned receiver position group, which includes some play-making spark from Corey Coleman and Kenny Britt and for a productive pecking order behind them to emerge; 2. Much more development from the excessively young tight end group; 3. Sorting out the safety positions; 4. Declaring a winner in the kicker competition; 5. Nursing back recently injured starters and keeping healthy players on track to stay that way for the season opener.

4. Big man down: Jackson said that defensive tackle Danny Shelton has joined the inactive list with a knee injury. Like recently injured Joel Bitonio (knee) and Cam Erving (calf), Jackson termed Shelton’s injury “week to week,” and expressed hope he will be available for the practice days leading up to the season opener. “Nothing that I think that is way over the top,” Jackson said of the injury.

5. Just say what: A lot has been said about Jackson’s initial comments that he hopes none of his players elect to sit for the National Anthem in protest of recent events in Charlottesville, VA, and previous events that have inflamed racial tension. Cornerback Joe Haden said that Jackson addressed the team and said he respected everyone’s right to protest, and he asked his players just to inform him of their intentions before the game on Monday night. “Coach Jackson wants to be informed,” Haden said. “He doesn’t want to be kept off guard. So if people feel that way, go up to him and talk to him. He’s not saying he doesn’t want you to do it. He’s just saying he doesn’t want to be surprised.”

6. New name to watch: Jackson expressed faith in veteran John Greco filling the void of Bitonio at left guard, calling him “somebody I trust, somebody I know.” It was interesting, however, that Jackson used a question on Greco to bring up the name of Marcus Martin, who has the versatility, like Greco, to play all interior line positions. “Marcus Martin has done a good job, too. He has had a really good camp,” Jackson said. Martin, 23, was claimed off waivers from the 49ers in March. He was a third-round pick from Southern Cal for the 49ers in 2014, and started 24 games in three years at center, right guard and left tackle.

7. Quarterback update: Here are the final passing numbers through all team drills in 17 days of training camp, as compiled by ESPN Cleveland’s Jason Gibbs: Cody Kessler, 103 of 159, 64.7 percent; Brock Osweiler, 129 of 219, 58.9 percent; DeShone Kizer, 91 of 156, 58.3 percent; Kevin Hogan, 48 of 83, 57.8 percent.

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