The Cleveland Browns had their first official veteran minicamp with HC Todd Monken, but there were a few hiccups along the way. While Myles Garrett not being there did raise a lot of questions, it seemed like the Browns had other problems to deal with in their minicamp, which was held on April 21 at Berea, Ohio. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by the neighbors’ complaints about the loud music during the camp, but that did not seem to bother Monken, as he had a simple response to those who had a complaint.

“The neighbors complained, and we didn’t care,” said Todd Monken during the press conference on Saturday, via College Transfer Portal. “We pumped up the music louder; if they don’t like it, they can move.”

Monken had previously worked with the Browns in 2019 as the offensive coordinator and somewhat knows how the franchise does business. While notable names like Myles Garrett, Jerry Jeudy, and Denzel Ward were absent, Monken did not slack off. On his first camp as the HC, he tried to keep it light and create a fun environment for the players.

He mentioned that the atmosphere in Berea was great. The weather was a plus point, as the players were also in good spirits. To help everyone get into the rhythm, loud music was being played at the training camp, and no attention was paid to any complaints from the neighbors.

Previously, the NFL had a rule that if the home team was too loud, there would be repercussions after three warnings. It was the responsibility of the coaches and players to calm their supporters. This rule was later abolished.

Even if the rule had been around, it would not have affected the Browns, as their complaints came during the minicamp. Despite the neighbors raising an issue, it was a productive day for the franchise as Monken also got a chance to see his QBs for the first time.

Todd Monken has high hopes for the quarterbacks’ room

The quarterbacks’ room has been a major issue for the Cleveland Browns. With three quarterbacks at hand, Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson, and Shedeur Sanders, there is still an uncertainty as to who the starter is going to be among the three. However, having seen the QBs firsthand at the minicamp, Monken shared his observations.

“Being out there with the guys and getting a little bit of a feel for who we have on our roster, and I thought all three quarterbacks, at times, you could see positives in their games. And learning a new system, and they’ve been awesome in the meeting rooms and on the field,” said Todd Monken.

Despite not going into details, Monken shared how impressed he is with all three after the first meeting. Last season, Gabriel became the starter following Joe Flacco’s departure after Week 4. He played six games, recording 937 passing yards and 7 touchdowns, and recording 2 interceptions.

However, a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens paved the way for Shedeur Sanders to be QB1. He started eight, recording three wins and five losses. In his rookie year, he added 1,400 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. But he threw ten interceptions. So, neither of them had a great record, yet based on Monken’s statements, they seem to be in better shape in the minicamp.

Despite not making any official confirmations, it did seem like Deshaun Watson was the player who really made a good first impression on the coach.

“Deshaun looked really good at times, and there are things he gotta work on. Same with Shedeur and Dillon,” Monken added.

Watson did not play in the last season after undergoing surgery for a re-rupture of his right Achilles tendon. He suffered the injury during Week 7 of the 2024 season. It limited him to just 7 games that season. Injuries have been a problem for him as he has only started 19 games for the franchise in four years.

The three-time Pro Bowler will be 31 when the new season starts. This is why many expect this to be the last chance to redeem his career.

While those were just first impressions, Monken is far from deciding who will be the starting quarterback. This decision can certainly not be made already, as they have another day of the draft where more players could be added to the roster.

The Browns will be looking to make some good acquisitions with their five picks on Day 3. Coach Monken has been happy with how the Browns have looked in the minicamp, but they do have a lot of holes to fill in their roster, and these picks would certainly help them do that.