Hey Tony: Based on your crystal ball, draft picks, performance and change in schemes, are there any “surprise” vets that need an amazing offseason to keep a chance of making the final 53? I know it’s early and injuries can’t be predicted.
— Bryan, Deerfield, IL
Hey Bryan: The Browns drafted two wide receivers, three offensive linemen and two tight ends. So I would look at veterans from those position groups as needing good training camps to keep roster spots. Names such as Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Luke Wypler, KT Leveston, Blake Whiteheart, and Brendan Bates come to mind.
Hey Tony: I wanna put some pizza money on a FanDuel bet for Deshaun Watson being comeback player of the year. What do you think?
— Jeff, Hilton Head, SC
Hey Jeff: Why not? After two Achilles tendon surgeries and a year-and-a-half of rehab, Watson certainly qualifies as a CPOY candidate. If he wins the starting QB job, he would definitely be a legit candidate.
Hey Tony: How would you feel about a Browns Christmas game this year or Thanksgiving night game?
— Alfonso, Webster, NY
Hey Alfonso: Christmas Day game? Bah humbug! Thanksgiving prime-time game? Gobble gobble!
Hey Tony: Assuming draft class and FA acquisitions live up to expectations, what is the ceiling for Browns, record-wise?
— Eric, Rock Hill, SC
Hey Eric: The ceiling depends on the play of the starting quarterback, whomever he is.
Hey Tony: What differences in offensive scheme and points of emphasis should we expect from Todd Monken’s offense compared to Kevin Stefanski’s offense?
— AJ, Avon, OH
Hey AJ: Monken insists his team will run the ball. Every coach says that. We’ll see if he commits to that end when behind by a touchdown. He’s been given two promising, young receivers by GM Andrew Berry. So I would expect him to design pass plays to get the ball out of the hand of the QB quickly. Other than that, let’s see what they look like in training camp.
Hey Tony: How long before we are down to only 3 QBs on roster, and who do you think the third will be?
— Aaron, Toledo, OH
Hey Aaron: Barring injuries, I would expect all four QBs to stay on the roster until the cut to 53. I expect Taylen Green will open the season as QB3.
Hey Tony: How happy is Andrew Berry now that Paul DePodesta isn’t around? Back to back lights out drafts! Was Depodesta the problem?
— Andy, Bloomington, IL
Hey Andy: It’s never good when a baseball analytics guru wields so much authority in a football organization. I don’t think it’s coincidence the drafts have been so much better with DePodesta exiled to an MLB gulag in Colorado.
Hey Tony: How long does Dillon Gabriel stay on this team? He won’t be the starter, he won’t be the #2, and the #3 spot is saved for the rookie.
— Frank, Stillwell, OK
Hey Frank: Let it play out. The outcome may surprise you.
Hey Tony: Before the release tomorrow, what is your prediction to number of prime-time games? I’m guessing 1 Thursday night game, late in the year with the hope Shedeur is playing but they can also be flexed out.
— Kyle, Celina, OH
Hey Kyle: They were shut out of prime time last year, so I’m thinking the NFL throws one bone their way. It probably will be a division game, hopefully at home.
Hey Tony: Are there any obvious undrafted rookie standouts to keep a realistic eye on?
— Aaron, Toledo, OH
Hey Aaron: The first name that comes to mind is Logan Fano, the older brother of Spencer Fano. Not because his brother was the team’s top draft pick but because there is a need for depth at defensive end and Fano will be given a good shot at a spot.