Mangini leads Browns through first day of mandatory minicamp

June 12, 12:36 AMCleveland Browns ExaminerAaron Calafato

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If you didn't think Eric Mangini was serious about trying to reform the culture of Cleveland Browns football, you had better give him a chance. Minicamp officially started and the Browns had some special guests. There were 8 Green Berets present at the practice to help give Browns players and coaches some perspective about the sort of training and dedication it takes to be part of such an elite group. Hence, Mangini trying to draw parallels about how hard the players and coaches must work in the off-season if Cleveland is going to be a competitive team.

Some Highlights of the minicamp

• 8 Green Berets present to talk with members of the Cleveland Browns
• Braylon Edwards did not practice because of unspecified injury
• Phil Dawson made his first appearance after disputing his contract
• The media asked an obscene amount of questions about rain

Speaking of rain, it baffles me why the rain got more press that Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. Folks, It's football, and the practice took place in Cleveland, Ohio. The fact that people(media) couldn't get over the bad weather still has me scratching my head. Moreover, Mangini should be praised for actually conducting his practices with some toughness.

I like the fact that Mangini kept the players on the field despite the bad weather, because during the season it could actually rain!

He is already one step ahead of former Browns coach, Romeo Crennel.

Unfortunately, The feeling around Cleveland still isn't good. This is the first summer that I've felt people could actually be dreading Browns football this coming season. Especially after the Cavaliers collapsed in the conference finals and with how the Indians are playing this season. Yet, there is a gleam that might be appearing with the arrival of Mangini. He, like Cavaliers coach Mike Brown, is trying to establish a team identity. While the Browns are still far from where the Cavaliers are, if you listen to the players talk about the upcoming season, there seems to be a more unified voice. After some struggle, the players seem to be buying into Mangini.

Let's hope that leads to victories.