The 2023 NFL season is just a few months away and that means Cleveland Browns training camp is right around the corner. After a disappointing season in 2022, expectations are much higher heading into the summer.
After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Cleveland made necessary changes this offseason. It overhauled its defense with heavy investments in the secondary and defensive line, providing new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with all the help he needs. On offense, a new-look unit should be much better than what fans witnessed in 2022.
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Here’s everything you need to know before Cleveland Browns training camp 2023.
Cleveland Browns training camp schedule 2023
The Browns begin training camp begins on July 22, with the first two weeks of practices (July 22-30) closed to the public. Here’s the remainder of the Browns’ training camp schedule.
- July 22-30: Browns’ training camp at Greenbrier Resort
- August 1 – First Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortage Campus
- Aug. 2 – No practice
- Aug. 3 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
- Aug. 4 – No practice
- Aug. 5 – No practice
- Aug. 6-7: Practice at 2 PM ET
- Aug. 8 – No practice
- Aug. 9 – Practice opens at 2 PM ET
- Aug. 10 – No practice
- Aug. 11 – Week 1 preseason game vs Washington Commanders (7:30 PM ET)
- Aug. 12-13 – No practice
- Aug. 14-15 – Joint practice with Philadelphia Eagles
- Aug. 16 – No practice
- Aug. 17 – Week 2 preseason game @ Philadelphia Eagles
- Aug. 18-19 – No practice
- Aug. 20 – Practice at 2 PM ET
- Aug. 21 – No practice
- Aug. 22-23 – Practice opens at 1:25 PM ET
- Aug. 24 – Practice at 11:30 AM ET
- Aug. 25 – No practice
- Aug. 26 – Week 3 preseason game @ Kansas City Chiefs
Browns training camp open dates
As part of the Cleveland Browns training camp, there will be eight practices open to the public. Here are the eight open practices at the CrossCountry Mortage Campus.
- Tuesday, Aug. 1 – Youth Football/Flag Football
- Sunday, Aug. 6 – Throwback
- Monday, Aug. 7 – Superheroes
- Wednesday, Aug. 9 – Stay in the Game
- Sunday, Aug. 20 – Browns Backers
- Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Military Appreciation
- Wednesday, Aug. 23 – Barks & Bites
- Thursday, Aug. 24 – Browns Give Back
Tickets to the Browns’ open training camp practices are available to the public on Thursday, July 13 at 10 a.m. EST. Browns’ season-ticket members receive a special 48-hour advanced window to reserve tickets, beginning on July 11.
Cleveland Browns training camp storylines
Keeping a close eye on the Browns’ secondary
On the surface, Cleveland’s pass defense doesn’t seem like its biggest problem. In 2022, the Browns allowed the 11th-lowest average passer rating (85.2), ranked fourth in completion rate surrendered (60.7) and ceded the fifth-fewest passing touchdowns (20).
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However, Cleveland did finish 16th in Pass DVOA, with cornerback Denzel Ward struggling in coverage (15.5 yards per reception allowed) and the safety play also proved to be a problem. So, the Browns signed free safety Huan Thornhill to shore up the deep coverage and expectations are a lot higher for the cornerbacks in 2023. With the improved depth at wide receiver, training camp is a perfect litmus test to see if Cleveland’s secondary will be a strength or inconsistent.
Cleveland’s new-look receiving corps
Speaking of Cleveland’s receiving corps, there’s reason for optimism this summer. Not only did the Browns acquire wide receiver Elijah Moore, but they also used their top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Cedric Tillman along with free-agent signings of wideouts Jakeem Grant Sr. and Marquise Goodwin
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It completely changes the outlook for this passing offense. Instead of Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nick Chubb being among the leaders in targets and receptions, Cleveland now boasts a much deeper group. Moore already has great chemistry with Deshaun Watson and beat reporters view him as a breakout candidate in 2023. Tillman complements Moore and Amari Cooper beautifully, serving as the big-bodied receiver who can make contested grabs on the outside and make an impact inside the red zone. A bottom-10 passing offense in 2022 should look a lot better this fall.
Jm Schwartz’s influence on the Browns’ defense
Cleveland had no choice but to fire Joe Woods after last season. The Browns ranked 28th in Football Outsiders’ Rush DVOA, ranked 15th in Total DVOA and they allowed the third-most points in the second half of games (13.5 per game). In comes Jim Schwartz, who has a lot of talent to work with this fall.
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The Browns’ defense should improve this season. Za’Darius Smith is the perfect edge rusher to start opposite of Myles Garrett. If healthy, the pass-rushing duo could approach 30 combined sacks. Cleveland also signed Dalvin Tomlinson to provide much-needed help at defensive tackle, an important element of Schwartz’s scheme. Training camp is the perfect opportunity for Schwartz to coach up a talent-rich defense, familiarizing them with everything he wants to do. How the Browns perform defensively in 2023 will largely be determined by how well Schwartz coaches the players up this summer.
Unheralded players who could step up
One of the most exciting things about NFL training camp is the opportunity for fans to familiarize themselves with new names and ascending players. It’s no different in Cleveland, where we have our eye on quite a few players. Tillman is an obvious choice, but second-year running back Jerome Ford is another player fans should watch closely. Rookie defensive tackle Siaki Ika could also play a prominent role this season depending on how he fares this summer. Likewise, offensive tackle Dawand Jones showing up in football shape would be a significant development. As for the others, Perrion Winfrey, Jordan Elliott and Martin Emerson are among the key names to monitor.
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5 players to watch during Browns training camp
Deshaun Watson, quarterback
Deshaun Watson was one of the worst NFL quarterbacks in 2022. In his first season with the Cleveland Browns, Watson ranked 28th in yards per attempt (6.8), 19th in touchdown rate (4.1%), 30th in quarterback rating (79.1) and 33rd in completion rate (58.2). Needless to say, the standard is much higher for the only NFL quarterback with a fully-guaranteed contract.
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There are no excuses for Watson in 2023. Any rust he couldn’t shake off after going 1.5 seasons without playing an NFL snap should be gone. Cleveland assembled a dynamic receiving corps with a top-10 offensive line and one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. If there are any signs of Watson struggling in training camp, the Browns need to be worried. On the other hand, the return of the MVP-caliber quarterback makes Cleveland a Super Bowl threat.
Greg Newsome II, cornerback
If Denzel Ward can’t return to form this fall, Greg Newsome II could step up as the best cornerback in Cleveland. Selected with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-1 defensive back really started to figure things out last year.
Jerome Ford, running back
From 2020-’22, Kareem Hunt averaged 164 touches per season in Cleveland and served as a high-end complementary piece to Chubb. When it became clear that Hunt was no longer an effective runner, the Browns’ offense rested on Chubb’s shoulders.
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Ford will slide into Hunt’s role this season and there’s a lot of optimism in Cleveland about his ability to be the No. 2 running back. While he didn’t show a lot of pass-catching prowess in college at Cincinnati, it’s a role the Browns seem comfortable giving him this year. With Cleveland likely monitoring Chubb’s touches in training camp and the All-Pro potentially facing a more cautious workload in the regular season, Ford could be an unsung key to Cleveland’s success in 2023.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, linebacker
Taken with the 52nd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah looked a lot more comfortable in his second season. He earned an above-average PFF grade in coverage (73.4), but took a step back as a run defender. If the 6-foot-2 athlete demonstrates in training camp that he has become a more well-rounded player, it could help Cleveland deliver a top-10 defense this fall.
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Elijah Moore, wide receiver
No one can fairly judge Elijah Moore as a player based on what happened with the New York Jets. Between dealing with one of the worst quarterbacks in recent NFL history and a system that clearly didn’t utilize him, it was never going to work with New York. Cleveland provided him with a fresh start and the reports from OTRAs were the he was Watson’s most targeted player. When fans show up to Browns training camp, Moore will be attracting a lot of buzz.
What day does Browns training camp start?
Cleveland Browns training camp begins on July 22, with closed practices at the Greenbrier Resort through July 30. Immediately after, the Browns return to the CrossCountry Mortage Campus for the remainder of training camp beginning on Aug. 1.
Where is Browns training camp in 2023?
The Cleveland Browns will open training camp in West Virginia, staying at The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs in July. After wrapping up in West Virginia, Browns’ training camp will relocate to Brea, Ohio at the Browns’ training facility in August.
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What city has a Cleveland Browns training camp facility?
The Browns’ training camp facility is in Berea, Ohio. Specifically, the address of the CrossCountry Mortage Campus of the Cleveland Browns is 76 Lou Groza Blvd, Berea, OH 44107.
What is the bag policy at Browns training camp?
The Browns allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVVC bags that do not exceed 12’W H x 6″ D, per their official website. Cleveland also permits one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar) and small clutch bags that are approximately hand-sized, with or without a handle or strap.
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The prohibited items at Cleveland Browns training camp are firearms, umbrellas, thermoses, knives, plastic bottles, ice chests, flying disks, coolers, illegal substances, alcoholic beverages, noisemaking devices and animals that aren’t officially certified as service animals.
Can you get autographs at Browns training camp?
Browns training camp is a very fan-friendly environment with attendees able to have players sign photographs. Better yet, there’s even an Alumni Autograph Sttage where one of Cleveland’s former players makes an appearance to meet with fans and sign memorabilia.
