NoLogoNeeded.com staff writer
Today, the Browns’ veterans report to training camp a day before the season’s first two-a-day on Saturday with practices from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Those veterans will be joining most of the rookies who reported a week earlier. On Thursday, Brian Robiskie, the last unsigned draft pick, signed a four-year deal. Two days earlier Robiskie’s fellow second-round pick and wide receiver, Mohamed Massaquoi, also signed a four-year deal.
Last April, NoLogoNeeded.com reached out to media members who covered Massaquoi and Robiskie in college. First up, University of Georgia's Red and Black sports editor Jason Butt.
"The one thing about Massaquoi is he elevated himself with his leadership in the locker room," Butt said. "His biggest influence was A.J. Green. Green is quiet and keeps to himself and Massaquoi brought the best out of Green and a lot of the wide receivers. You can tell by the way he carries himself he’s got strong work ethic. As a member of the media, you liked talking to Massaquoi. He was nice and outgoing."
When it came to his on-the-field play, Butt's description of Massaquoi was reminiscent of a Joe Jurevicius-type that the Browns can count on to be an intermediate outlet.
For Robiskie, he is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and reliable with a strong football background and superior work ethic. When the Ohio State offense was altered with freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Robiskie never complained. Robiskie is a stand up guy who makes plays when asked.
"Brian Robiskie is a poster child for a student of the game," UWeekly sports editor Travis Hoewischer said. "He's grown up around football and knows the Xs and Os as opposed to just being a good athlete. His perceived slight in speed or physical gifts are made up with his intelligence."
At the combine, Robiskie ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, but what a lot of people don't know is that he was the only player drafted on the first day that was in the top 10 in vertical jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. All of those tend to be better indicators of actual football movement than a 40-yard straight sprint.
It’s nice to have some good news in Cleveland after what’s been going down with the city’s baseball team in recent days.
Yet, this is the Browns and camp starts with its share of controversies.
Braylon Edwards reported to Berea on Tuesday and promptly failed his physical. He was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. It was been reported a source said he hurt his ankle while playing basketball, but the team is staying quiet.
Offensive lineman Ryan Tucker is contemplating retirement, according to the Orange and Brown Report. Injuries have plagued Tucker in recent years and if he does retire it has not caught Eric Mangini by surprise. Mangini drafted Alex Mack who can play center and guard and signed three free agents in George Foster, John St. Clair and Floyd Womack.
Kicker Phil Dawson has grumbled this offseason about wanting a new contract. It remains to be seen if he will report to camp or hold out.
Finally, Josh Cribbs said he plans to sit out the games unless a new contract is offered. As with many players in August, it seems like a viable threat that is until those $40,000 game checks start disappearing.
