Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2021: Start Date, Location, Roster Battles, and Fan Policy

The Cleveland Browns have an important training camp ahead of them in preparation for the 2021 season, after a historic 2020 season. When does it start, where will it be held, and are fans allowed to attend?

With phase 3 of the 2021 NFL offseason set to wrap up on June 18th, teams are already looking forward to training camp. It is by far the most grueling and pivotal part of a team’s preparations.

Training camps often include busy days for players and coaches, sometimes with 2 practices a day, weight training, team meetings, and film sessions.

Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), no contact is permitted during the first 3 days of camp. Days 4 and 5 will see players at full speed in light equipment called “spiders and shells”, day 6 is a mandatory day off, and finally fully-padded practices start on the 7th day.

Along with the strenuous schedule, full-speed practices mean that both contact and non-contact injuries are very common. Regardless, training camp is mandatory for all players, unlike OTAs which are voluntary. If a player doesn’t show up, they risk getting cut by their team.

When Does Training Camp Start for the Cleveland Browns?

For the first time in NFL history, there will be a unified start for training camp. 29 franchises, including the Browns, will kick off their training camps on Tuesday, July 27th.

The Cowboys and Steelers, who will play in the preseason Hall of Fame game, are allowed to begin training camp as early as July 21st. The Buccaneers will also be allowed to start training camp 3 days earlier on the 24th, as they play the season opener against Dallas on a Thursday night.

Where is the Browns Training Camp being held?

Normally, NFL teams are permitted to hold training camp at outside facilities to improve accessibility for fans, However last year, due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic, teams were instructed to conduct camp at their own training facilities.

With the situation looking a little more optimistic, the league has informed teams they can return to outside facilities, should they choose to do so.

The Browns will hold their training camp the Cleveland Browns Training Facility and Administrative Complex in Berea, Ohio.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Roster: Key Position Battles to Watch

As usual, teams will start camp with 90-man rosters. They must cut down to 85 players by August 17th and to 80 by August 24th, before settling on a final 53-man roster by August 31st.

The Browns will return to camp with a team loaded on all positions. The team made the divisional round of the playoffs last season. And after an impressive free agency and draft, the training camp will key to draw out the starters.

DC Joe Woods played a 4-2-5 defense for the majority of the season’s snaps. The teams biggest weakness was at the Linebacker position in 2020. And without a new marquee addition to the lineup, the LB battle will be one to watch out for. Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson started the final game of the 2020 season and are still on the roster.

But the additions of Anthony Walker from the Colts in free agency and star rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah should both threaten to take over the gig before the 2021 season.

The secondary will also have fierce battles. Denzel Ward had an excellent season in 2020 so he’ll definitely have one CB spot on lock. And star Free Agent John Johnson III will definitely start at free safety. The rest of the group will have a battle to break in. 2020 2nd round pick Grant Delpit will finally be back from injury.

Returning CB Greedy Williams will share the corner room with free-agent signing Troy Hill and 2021 1st round draft pick Greg Newsome II.

Also Read: Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2021: Start Date, Location, Roster Battles, and Fan Policy