#HeyTony: What’s the Browns’ plan at safety now?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.

Hey Tony: What do you think is the most likely solution to the Browns safety problem? Will they sign Logan Ryan, and would he take a one-year deal for $10M?

-- Terry, Portland, OR

Hey Terry: A few hours after you checked in, Ryan signed with the Giants for one year at $7.5 million. Reportedly, the New Jersey native liked the idea of returning to the area. Tough blow to the Browns, for Ryan was by far the best available candidate to fill the versatile role coordinator Joe Woods envisioned for rookie Grant Delpit. Now … ? Tony Jefferson has said he won’t play for any team in the division but the Ravens. Earl Thomas should not be a candidate. The remaining unsigned safeties are mostly special teamers. For now, the Browns have to see if second-year safety Sheldrick Redwine can seize the opportunity. Otherwise, I’d imagine they wait for roster cuts and hope a candidate becomes available.

Hey Tony: With Mack Wilson avoiding surgery can we expect him to return and contribute at any point this season? If so...what week?

-- Bobby, Columbus, OH

Hey Bobby: The Browns hope that Wilson can return to the practice field in 4 to 6 weeks. Add a minimum of two weeks of practice time before he can reasonably be expected to play in a game. The bye week comes after the eighth week. So, if everything goes well, perhaps we may see Wilson ready to play in Game 9. Which would be great for the Browns to get back a quality player at that time. Usually, teams are losing players to the war of attrition in the second half of the season.

Hey Tony: Your sense of Baker Mayfield’s play compared to last year? Case Keenum seemingly played much better in the scrimmage.

-- Tom, Strongsville, OH

Hey Tom: Keenum played better, no doubt. So far, I honestly don’t see a significant difference in Mayfield’s play compared to last year. But it’s understandable because he is learning another new offense without the benefit of field work in the offseason. My sense is that Mayfield will improve greatly over the next two weeks of practice.

Hey Tony: Is there a school of thought to throw Keenum in for a “no grudges” week 1 due to lack of an install period caused by the pandemic?

-- Adam, Lancaster, PA

Hey Adam: I don’t think that is being considered. If a raw rookie like Joe Burrow can pick up his team’s offense without an offseason OTA and minicamp season, then why shouldn’t a QB in his third year be able to do it?

Hey Tony: How long before Keenum replaces Baker Mayfield?

-- Todd, Birmingham England

Hey Todd: I understand why this question is being asked, but, really, it’s wrong at this point to even speculate on it. It’s Mayfield’s team.

Hey Tony: Based on commentary from numerous sources, it appears the Browns will have significant problems in the opener against the Ravens. How long will it take for us to see the real 2020 Browns on both sides of the ball.

-- Leonard, Troy, OH

Hey Leonard: Six to eight games. Problem is, the roster could be further depleted by injury by then.

Hey Tony: When it comes to the O-line, how is the zone run scheme coming along?

-- Mike, Pittsburgh, PA

Hey Mike: I remember when they last ran this wide zone blocking scheme in 2014 under Kyle Shanahan, the Browns had a veteran line that picked it up rather quickly. The starters were future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, rookie Joel Bitonio, future All-Pro Alex Mack, John Greco and future All-Pro Mitchell Schwartz. This year’s line currently has rookies lining up at left tackle and center. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Hey Tony: What are Donovan Peoples-Jones’ chances to make the 53?

-- Reece, Canton, OH

Hey Reece: Really? I’ve contemplated voting Peoples-Jones for the Maurice Bassett Award for most impressive rookie in training camp. I think he made the team on April 25 when he was drafted and he has climbed the depth chart since.

Hey Tony: Why do athletes like JC Tretter wait all summer long, then decide to get their knee scoped on August 13th? Couldn't this have been completed in July? It seems ridiculous that athletes wait this long.

-- Tim, Dana Point, CA

Hey Tim: I know it’s frustrating. Seems to happen a lot. I think what happens in cases where there is no “incident,” the athlete feels discomfort and hopes it goes away without surgery. Then it gets worse and surgery is the best way to deal with it. Jarvis Landry, for instance, was hoping discomfort in his hip area would go away. When it returned at the Pro Bowl, he decided to have surgery.

Hey Tony: When will we know if we will be allowed to attend a Browns game in person?

-- Nicole, San Diego, CA

Hey Nicole: The decision is in the hands of Gov. Mike DeWine. DeWine will wait for the latest possible moment to see the medical data on incidence of coronavirus infections before making a decision on the Browns’ Sept. 17 home opener. It’s possible he would review the data from month to month after that.

Hey Tony: Do you think the Browns will trade David Njoku, because of the fast development of Harrison Bryant?

-- Robert, Orlando, FL

Hey Robert: I am in the minority. Yes, I think a trade of Njoku is inevitable. But that depends on the health of Austin Hooper, the continued progress of Bryant, and a legit trade offer for Njoku. Right now, Njoku has been repping as the third tight end.

Hey Tony: I’m worried about the LB group. Will the Browns add anyone else even after the veteran we just signed? I have a feeling TE’s on other teams could have career days against us. What are thoughts of this position?

-- Shaun, Sioux Falls, SD

Hey Shaun: The linebackers are the biggest mystery of any position group. One thing’s for sure: It can’t sustain another injury.

Hey Tony: It seems like every season the organization leaves one spot unaddressed & tries to mask the weakness with other strengths. Do you think our linebacking personnel can be expected to succeed & do you see us going after the recently released Nigel Bradham?

-- Patrick, Canal Winchester, OH

Hey Patrick: I thought Andrew Berry would have signed Bradham in free agency, but he chose B.J. Goodson. When Bradham was signed by New Orleans, Berry turned to Malcolm Smith. Now Bradham’s available again. He could be next on Berry’s ready list if another injury hits the position.

Hey Tony: Do you think Kevin Stefanski is a little too calm, cool and collected—that maybe because of pandemic he hasn’t seen how crazy and impatient fans are? Level-headed is good, but I sense he doesn’t understand fans (read: me) will start calling for his head if he loses to Ravens.

-- Martin, Kansas City, MO

Hey Martin: Those qualities are serving the Browns well, for now. They’ll also be valuable on game days. The Browns’ sideline was chaotic in recent years. They need a composed leader on game days.