A total of six franchises were in the smaller circle – the Cleveland Browns were obviously awarded the contract: As ESPN insider Adam Schefter reports, the Browns will be this year’s hard knocks team.
Along with the Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Redskins were the hottest candidates for this year’s Hard Knocks Relay.
Teams can veto a mandatory nomination if they either have a head coach in their first year, have reached a play-off position in the last two years or have been shown at Hard Knocks in the last ten years.
As part of the documentation, a team will be accompanied during the preparation for the season and the preseason. In several episodes the fans get unique insights into the training, the team dynamics, player dismissals and the like.
The browns should have more than enough storylines to offer. Among other things, fans can follow the quarterback duel between newcomer Tyrod Taylor and number one draft pick Baker Mayfield behind the scenes.
Head Coach Hue Jackson will also be under special observation after only one overall victory over the last two years: How does he address the team? How does he deal with players? Did he learn from the debacle with last year’s rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer?
In addition, both Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley and Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams should supply some ammunition. Both are known for their effervescent nature.
In addition to last year’s top pick Myles Garrett in the defense, there are some exciting characters in the offense. One of them is undoubtedly wide receiver Josh Gordon: One of the most talented receivers in the league, who has already had to sit out several barriers due to missteps off the pitch.
This fate also befell rookie receiver Antonio Callaway: The likewise extremely talented Wideout missed his entire last college season due to a suspension.