Welcome to May, Browns fans, aka the month of NFL minicamps.
The Cleveland Browns held their first voluntary veteran minicamp in late April, three days where quarterback Deshaun Watson apparently dazzled so much while throwing practice passes against air that he has set himself firmly into the QB 1 role for 2026.
There is still more to come, of course, with rookie minicamp taking place May 8 to 10 (and just wait until everyone sees what Taylen Green can do while throwing against air in shorts, a T-shirt,
and a helmet), followed by Organized Team Activities and mandatory minicamp in June.
We are still a week away from seeing the rookies in town, but we have plenty planned to fill your day, so be sure to stop by Dawgs By Nature throughout the day.
In the meantime, let’s get the weekend rolling with the latest edition of the Saturday Dawg Chow.
Dawgs By Nature
- Browns rookies: 2 listed as Top 10 Rookie of the Year candidates (Jared Mueller) – Cleveland’s 2026 NFL draft class has been lauded, with 2 listed as Top 10 OROY candidates.
- Former Browns TE David Njoku was a victim of elaborate identity fraud (Barry Shuck) – Former Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku was the victim of an elaborate scheme by a former NFL player.
- Everyone loves the Browns draft: Impact on fans’ excitement, hope level (Abby Mueller) – There has been a surge of positivity from media and fans about the Browns’ draft class this year.
Cleveland Browns
- Tackle or guard? Austin Barber’s former coach at Florida says, ‘Yes’ (Beacon Journal) – The questions about where Austin Barber would play came almost immediately after the Browns traded back into the third round of the NFL draft to select the Florida offensive lineman.
- How the Browns managed one rare feat in the 2026 NFL Draft (cleveland.com) – The Browns pulled off a rare NFL Draft feat last week, and it didn’t involve any flashy trades, big shakeups or the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, it was something even rarer: Managing to somehow, against all odds, prioritize their two biggest needs in two different ways.
- Browns coach Todd Monken on QB competition: ‘It’s my job to let it play out’ (The Athletic) – Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken said Friday that while he’d like to name a starting quarterback before the team opens training camp in late July, it’s still too early for any decisions.
- 5 things to know about TE Carsen Ryan, Browns No. 248 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (clevelandbrowns.com) – The Browns finished out their 10 draft picks with the selection of TE Carsen Ryan as the 248th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He also completes their tight end position group that saw additions both in the draft and free agency. Here are five things to know about the latest addition at tight end.
NFL
- Commanders revamp defense with youth, speed (ESPN) – The Washington Commanders put a spear through their gold W on their alternate black helmet and returned their home and away jerseys to a familiar look, a throwback to past uniforms. However, the bigger makeover occurred on the defense.
- Dan Morgan: Panthers to sign QB Bryce Young to long-term deal ‘at the right time’ (NFL.com) – Picking up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option was the no-brainer move. The more difficult decision is if the former No. 1 overall pick has done enough yet to warrant a contract extension from the Carolina Panthers.
- Ideal landing spots for the NFL’s 10 best remaining free agents (PFF) – With the 2026 NFL Draft already over, the football calendar has approached its quietest point. But even in a relatively tranquil next four months, transactions will assuredly happen — including big names signing contracts to join new teams. Even after a frenzied free-agent period, 25 of PFF’s top 100 free agents are still unsigned. With teams concentrating on certain positions in the draft, it sheds light into potential destinations for these 10 talented veterans.
