BEREA — Training camp is fast approaching for the Browns.

Rookies are scheduled to report on July 22, with the veterans coming in the next day. The Browns will then head to the Greenbrier in West Virginia on July 25 for the first of seven practices over nine days there before returning to Berea for the remainder of camp.

Leading up to the start of camp, each Browns position group is getting its moment in the spotlight. Today, the centers take center stage.

For the previous position group previews, look here:

∙ Quarterbacks

∙ Running backs

∙ Tight ends

∙ Wide receivers

∙ Offensive tackles

∙ Guards

Here's a look at the Browns centers heading into training camp.

On the Cleveland Browns roster: Centers

Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler, Brian Allen

Projected starter: Ethan Pocic

Pocic may be one of the Browns' savviest free-agent signings. Originally an under-the-radar move in the spring of 2022, he's proven to be one of the most consistent centers in the AFC. When healthy — he did miss essentially five games in 2022 because of a knee injury — Pocic is the perfect pivot between the Browns' two elite guards, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. This season, he'll take on an even bigger role in some ways because of his familiarity with new offensive line coach Andy Dickerson from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks.

One to watch: Brian Allen

Allen was a late-April free agent signing that could be just the latest example of general manager Andrew Berry trying to buy low on an asset who has seen his stock decline because of a rash of injuries. Injuries have hampered him for much of his career since being a 2018 fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, limiting him to just 50 games and 32 starts over his first five seasons. However, the only year in which Allen has played at least 16 games was in 2021, when the Rams went on to win the Super Bowl. He started 16 of 17 games in the regular season, then all four playoff games, despite playing with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). If the Browns can get that version of Allen, it provides a talented backup to Pocic, for starters. It also adds another interior lineman to the mix behind Bitonio and Teller, which is the position Allen was playing during OTAs and minicamp.

Potential training camp battle: Luke Wypler and Brian Allen for No. 2 center

Wypler was taken in the sixth round in 2023 out of Ohio State, and found his way onto the roster by being able to play multiple roles. He was actually the third center on the roster last year behind Pocic and Nick Harris, who signed with the Seahawks during free agency. The addition of Allen at least creates a battle behind Pocic, and it could come down to whether or not the Browns feel confident in Allen's ability to stay healthy.

Impact of injuries entering training camp

Allen's injury history is well-documented, although most of his playing time lost last season was because the Rams turned to Coleman Shelton. There was no evidence of him being limited during the offseason program.

In other words, injuries aren't a major storyline at this spot going into camp.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns training camp preview: Ethan Pocic and centers