The Cleveland Browns open training camp on July 29 at the team's facility in Berea, Ohio. Here's a closer look at the Browns camp, which wraps up on Aug. 9.
Top storyline: There's no reason 2016 should be any different from most of the previous 14 seasons: The Browns enter camp with great uncertainty at quarterback. They have entrusted much hope that Robert Griffin III can revive his career, though there is enough uncertainty about him that the Browns have kept Josh McCown on the roster. Griffin had good and bad moments in the offseason workouts. With the start of camp, the challenge ramps up exponentially. In one sense, the Browns made a no-risk move with Griffin. If it works, they benefit. If it doesn't, the search continues. But no team with uncertainty at its most important position can feel secure as camp opens.
If RG III does return to his best form ... : It might allow the Browns to push .500, but it won't propel them to a worst-to-first story of warmth and cuddly teddy bears. The Browns have too many needs at too many positions to consider this as anything but a building year. With extra picks in the next two drafts, the team is positioned to build well if it plans well.
Player who will have fans buzzing: Running back Duke Johnson had a solid rookie season with 61 receptions. Under Hue Jackson, he could have a chance to step forward. Jackson seems enamored with Johnson and should take advantage of his skills. Last year's coordinator, John DeFilippo, did a good job with the then-rookie, but Jackson seems to believe in Johnson in a way that could spell an even better second season.
Position battle worth watching: Right tackle isn't exactly a glamour position, but it's wide open in Cleveland. Alvin Bailey will get the first chance to replace departed free agent Mitchell Schwartz, but line coach Hal Hunter admits there will be serious competition once the pads come on in camp. Among those looking to start will be Bailey, Michael Bowie and rookies Shon Coleman and Spencer Drango.
That rookie should start: It's hard to imagine first-round pick Corey Coleman not starting. The receiving group is inexperienced and green, with Andrew Hawkins the returning sage veteran. The spot opposite Hawkins is open, which gives Coleman the chance to step in and produce. Coleman's challenge: Learning the complex NFL approach after playing in a more simple route system at Baylor, where he predominantly ran three routes: go, slant and hitch.
Veteran whose job is in jeopardy: Is a two-year player considered a veteran? In this case he is, because the eighth player overall taken in 2014 has to produce to make the team. Justin Gilbert's first two seasons were lost causes, washouts. He did not endear himself to teammates or coaches and did not produce in his limited opportunities. Jackson has no allegiance to Gilbert. He did not draft him. If Gilbert does not improve, if he stays at the same level, he will not make the team. The Browns can only wait so long for him to put things together.
Shallow depth: In Griffin and McCown, the Browns have two quarterbacks who have injury history. Griffin had three serious injuries in Washington. Not playing in 2015 may help, but there was a reason he did not play a down in 2015, which doesn't help. McCown had concussion, rib and collarbone injuries last season. If the team decides to let McCown go -- provided Griffin shows something in camp and preseason -- they would be down to Griffin, Austin Davis and rookie Cody Kessler. If McCown and Griffin struggle with injuries, Davis and Kessler would be the alternatives. The quarterback questions about this team can't be minimized.
Maturity needed: The Browns enter camp with four drafted receivers and another trying to make the switch from quarterback (Terrelle Pryor). Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel are the returning receivers who have played the most. Jackson has confidence in his young group, but they will have to grow up quickly at a position and an environment where the learning curve is steep. If the Browns can't throw, teams will commit to stopping the run, which may make the team's offense look inept.
What fans will be saying after camp: Optimism always abounds for this team in this city, and this year will be no different (especially coming off a Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship). But there also is a healthy sense of reality about the Browns. Most fans seem to see it as a building year, and that's good, because expectations will not be out of line. Camp may reveal a few things here and there, but when it ends fans will still see 2016 as a bridge/building season.
For daily updates at camp, check out the Cleveland Browns clubhouse page.