Browns using minicamp as their installation phase of the offseason

Kelsey Russo

The Browns continued minicamp with their second day of practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said they are using minicamp as their installation phase to teach their offense and defense.

"We're using this offseason we've got one more practice to go so, we'll use all these practices like we have for every position to learn about our players and learn what guys do best," Stefanski said. "Obviously, for a wide receiver, want to find out what routes he's comfortable with. For the quarterbacks, find out what concepts they are comfortable with. So, that's really what this offseason has been about."

Here are some observations from the second day of minicamp.

11-on-11 drills

In one 11-on-11 period on the second day, QBKenny Pickettled off reps for the team drill, followed by QBShedeur Sandersand QBDillon Gabriel. Pickett connected with WRJerry Jeudyon a crosser, as well as another pass to WRJamari Thrashnear the sideline.

Sanders found WRDiontae Johnsonnear the sideline for the completion and handed the ball off to RBQuinshon Judkinswho found a gap in the line and weaved and cut his way through the defense. Sanders also connected with WRGage Larvadainin tight coverage.

"Running back is a hard position to evaluate in this setting," Stefanski said. "I will tell you, with Quinshon, with Dylan (Sampson) and the young guys, they've done a great job of learning the system, understanding their roles and what we're asking them to do. We've put a lot on their plates. So, Q, you see in college tape his cutting ability at that size is rare. Harder to see out here, although it does happen at times."

Gabriel rounded out the 11-on-11 period with a pass RBAhmani Marshall, who turned and ran down the sideline. He had two immediate throws over the middle and also connected with TEBlake Whiteheartwho ran into the end zone.

7-on-7 drills

The Browns closed out practice with a 7-on-7 period in which they also moved down the field to mimic a 2-minute drill. Gabriel, Pickett and Sanders each took reps during the period. Pickett started with back-to-back throws to Thrash, the first down the sideline and another across the middle of the field. Pickett also connected with RB Jerome Ford as they moved down the field.

"(Jamari Thrash) has had a really strong spring," Stefanski said. "Is here all the time working on his body. Very intelligent player. Can line up in multiple positions, which I think is valuable. And then he showed up. He's caught the ball well, and the quarterbacks like how he gets open. He finds a way to get open versus zone and versus man."

Gabriel took reps next, and connected with WRKisean Johnsonand TEHarold Fannin Jr.. On another pass, he intended the ball for Johnson, who bobbled the ball but came down with the catch. Sanders rounded out the 7-on-7 drills with two passes to WRLuke Florieaand another to RBDylan Sampson.

Red zone drills

The Browns did their first red zone team drill on one field, with the quarterbacks rotating. Gabriel started the first set of drills and handed the ball off to Sampson who broke through the defense and ran into the end zone. QBJoe Flaccofollowed with a pass to the back of the endzone for TEBrenden Bateswho appeared to come down with the ball and had LBWinston Reidin tight coverage on the pass and a short pass to Judkins who ran into the endzone.

Then, the Browns two-spotted in modified 7-on-7 red zone drills, in which Gabriel and Sanders took reps on one field while Pickett and Flacco took reps on the other, Sanders threw a touchdown pass to Bates. Gabriel threw a pass to TETre' McKittyin the back of the end zone, who came down with the ball and stayed in bounds.