Notes from the Preliminary Press Conference with Cleveland Browns General Managers John Dorsey

Thursday, just one week before the start of the NFL 2019 draft, the Cleveland Browns held their preliminary annual press conference with the General Manager John Dorsey.

Here are the notes I took:

What about Duke Johnson?

The first new the questions asked by the journalists concerned RB Duc Johnson, which caused Dorsey to laugh and say, "You all want to talk about the project?"

When he commented on Johnson, although Dorsey said "we see a lot of things for Duke to go from here … and I can not wait to see him on the field on Sunday." play for the Browns, and his request for an exchange will not change their mentality on him being a vital part of their attack this season.

Johnson did not participate in Phase 1 of the team's off-season training programs, which are voluntary. But he expects Johnson to be present when the minicamps arrive, even if they did not talk about it.

What to do during the first round of the draft

The Browns traded their No. 17 pick this season, leaving them with a first-round pick. What are their plans for the first round?

• On Monday and Tuesday, the team will start talking about potential candidates that they might agree to go to the first round if they are still available at some point.
• Due diligence, regardless of the year, involves talking to teams in general about the cost of progression. Dorsey answered yes, of course, he will do it in advance with the teams that will pick in the second half of the first round.
• For the draft in general, they usually spend about three days playing hypothetical games:

"We make assumptions. We ask, "OK, what happens if this player is here? What do you think about this? You will move the editorial board, eliminate some guys and say, "What if these three guys are here?" If we had to go up, what do you think it would cost? "Little games like this."

Positions in depth in this year's repechage and safety

When asked what positions were the strongest in this year's class, Dorsey said the defensive line and wide receiver were deep. He then began to talk about the depth of the backstroke and quarterback, adding that the depth of safety was higher than in previous years.

Speaking of security, Dorsey was asked about the additions to Eric Murray and Morgan Burnett. Dorsey said that he thought Burnett was still playing at the same level as security:

"I think both are very talented football players. As for Morgan, I think that over the years he has demonstrated his ability to play football. I think it fits well in what Steve Wilks (defensive coordinator) looks at. With Eric Murray, Eric Murray can play both safety positions. In fact, he may also play a little corner. He is also an extraordinary player in the special teams. "

Playing against Jeffrey Simmons?

There have been rumors that Brown really loves DT Jeffrey Simmons, whose stock is questionable due to an ACL tear. Dorsey was asked if he would take Simmons to number 49. Dorsey said, "If he was there, you can think about it," acting as if it was not something they jumped at. Does Dorsey only play timidly, or does he not consider it a lot? Remember, Simmons came for a visit, of which Dorsey spoke:

"Jeffrey came for a visit. I've had the opportunity to sit down with him, talk about the past and the steps he's taken in the state of Mississippi during his career at the ### 39; school. What we will do if it is possible for him to be present, we will discuss it as an organization and make the best decision for the future and make sure everyone is comfortable with these decisions. come."

Other notes

• With regard to RG Austin CorbettDorsey said, nothing has been gained, but he thinks Corbett "is going to make huge progress here in 2019".
• When asked if the Browns needed to add juice to the wide receiver position, Dorsey pointed out that WR Antonio Callaway has juice.
• He really likes the depth of the team right now.
• This is what Dorsey said about ED in the second year Chad Thomas"Usually, guys from grade one to grade two are making exponential progress and growth. I see him having a lot of playing time this year. I could see him getting a little spin time and really becoming a very good football player. "
• RB Kareem Hunt works hard: "I could not be happier with the hard work in the building. That's all you can ask him. He is determined to take the appropriate steps to move things forward. "