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Browns training camp stock watch: Deshaun Watson and Cedric Tillman on the rise

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) catches a pass in the third quarter during a Week 18 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) catches a pass in the third quarter during a Week 18 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

The Cleveland Browns will return to Berea soon after wrapping up their first week of training camp in West Virginia where Deshaun Watson and Cedric Tillman displayed a strong connection.

The team started camp after placing several players on the PUP/NFI list and losing veteran center Brian Allen to injury reserve for the season. Outside of Allen, the team hasn't suffered any serious injuries to start camp, and that's always a good thing.

There has been plenty of back-and-forth, with the offense having its high points and the defense having its moments, though there hasn't been a ton of contact to this point. The team is close to its first preseason game, as it is set to take on the Packers next Saturday, August 10th, at 4:25 p.m.

The thing fans want to know the most is how Deshaun Watson looks and if his shoulder is holding up and early returns are positive. Here are my standouts as well as those whose stocks have fallen after the first week of training camp.

Stock Up: Deshaun Watson, QB

So far, so good for Watson; he continues to pass each benchmark as it is thrown at him, and there don't seem to be any issues with the recovering throwing shoulder. Over the weekend, he threw for three straight practices after never throwing for back-to-back days in off-season workouts and participated in the team's first padded practice.

He struggled a little to start Tuesday's practice but outside of that drill everyone in attendance has been impressed with how he has looked. Watson seems to finally be confident and comfortable in the system and he looks poised to be able to hit the ground running when the season starts.

Stock Down: David Bell, WR

To be clear, David Bell hasn't been bad at camp, but with Jerry Jeudy sidelined and Amari Cooper missing some time, he has failed to take advantage of the opportunities. On top of that, others have stood out, making highlight plays while Bell is fighting for his roster spot. He still likely makes the roster, but being forgettable over the first week of camp isn't good for his chances.

Stock Up: Cedric Tillman, WR

On the other hand, Cedric Tillman has taken advantage of extra reps, with Jeudy and Cooper missing some time on the field. Tillman has put it all on display his blend of size and athleticism that give him a chance to be a difference maker on the field. He has long arms and a big catch radius, making him an easier target for his quarterbacks.

Tillman struggled at times last year to diversify his route tree and will need to show growth this year but it seems like so far he has looked good and ready to take a step forward.

Stock Down: John Kelly Jr., RB

Another player with an opportunity to stand out among others at the position sidelined who hasn't done much is running back John Kelly Jr., who has been around the team for a while. He will likely get a big workload in the preseason and could change that, but with Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines out, the chances early in camp have been there. Kelly has been with the Browns, and they keep bringing him back, but it seems like he is headed for the practice squad once again.

Stock Up: Jermiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB

Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has picked up where he left off after breaking out in the back end of the 2023 season. He has been explosive and flashy to start training camp and you can see that his confidence is through the roof right now. Kevin Stefanski talked earlier in the week about how he believes JOK can take another step forward and be a real leader for this defense and it shows to start camp.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns training camp stock watch: Deshaun Watson and Cedric Tillman on the rise