Christian Jones - Head Coach, browns Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-08-08 | Full transcript (primary source).
On August 8, 2026, Christian Jones, the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, held a press conference to discuss the development of rookie players Denzel Ward and Casey. The setting focused on their progress during training camp and the importance of building effective learning and preparation processes as they transition into the NFL.
Transcript
Jones: In general, how have those two guys done Denzel and Casey out here in their development camp? They've been doing a good job. And I would say what I've been most impressed with is they've taken on themselves to do well, and they're building their own process. It takes a lot for a rookie to build his process, how he's gonna learn, prepare, take care of his body, and really what the process after off days are. And I think that's something they've really taken to heart is, what can I do to get better each day? They've taken a step each day, and I think it's been great.
Jones: Casey said the other day that he asked two questions all the time. He was like, text me if he has questions. What is that process for you, just to be able to talk with him, work through things, and keep friends around him, and also see that initiative. I love it. He learns really well. He retains information really well. He used to play quarterback, so you can kinda see it in how he plays and how he processes. He's a very communicative player. He has no problem telling you when he doesn't understand something, when he's trying to get something, and I mean, it's the best thing. When somebody's open honest, it makes my job a lot easier.
Jones: With the two rookies, we got Denzel Ward, there's Tyson Campbell. Do you go out of your way to try to get them matched up with those guys at different times, and try to get them ready for really two different styles? Absolutely, any chance I get. Any chance I get, we, and that's for every receiver in the room. When I get the chance, I try to take it. I think we have the, I was telling the DBs yesterday that we're blessed to have all the DBs in the room that we have. We're blessed to have the chance to go against them.
Jones: Yeah, Denzel, Tyson, Dilo, there's so many other guys that Trey Avery, that we get the chance to work against because they have really good coaches. The DBs themselves wanna develop and get better, and that only makes us better. So I tell them to take it as an opportunity. And any chance I get, I move them around so they can see what it's like to go up against pro bowlers, all pros, high level corners, any chance I get.
Jones: Obviously, you guys thought really highly of Denzel when you can take him where you took him, but have you been surprised at all in how smoothly it feels like this transition has been formed, like it feels like when he showed up in whatever made, he's making plays or something? Not at all. You see it in the way he plays, you can see it in the way he talks about things, you see it in the way he prepares, I would not surprise at all. He's got the mindset, and every day he shows up with that mindset. He wants the ball, he's aggressive, and that's what you want in a receiver. And he plays hard no matter what, and that's been a pleasant. That's been fun.
Jones: Sorry. No, you're both good. How about the touchdown catch by Isaiah to close out? Yes, and how has Isaiah been doing? I think he's doing a really good job. And I think him growing into just going and getting the ball, being aggressive. And I think that's, he's putting it on tape. He's not afraid to go across the middle. He's not afraid to go up and get that ball back in the end zone, high stakes situation, and he's willing to go make that play and take it upon himself, it's been great to see.
Jones: We've been trying to get in the ball a lot of different ways. Whether it's catch and run, get it to him early on a sweep or a handoff or deep ball, I think he's showing that he can be a playmaker at all three levels, and that's only gonna benefit him, right? When a team can't scout you, we make it hard for them to say, well, he's just a deep guy or he's just a short guy. It makes our jobs easier, it makes his job easier.
Jones: Beyond what he's doing on the field, what are you seeing from Tyler in terms of his familiarity with the offense and sort of being the most veteran in Todd Monken's system and that ridership? He sets the standard for blocking, he sets the standard for knowing what to do. He's somebody I can move around every spot and know that I can trust that he's gonna do the right thing. And he sets that standard for everybody, right? He has that familiarity. He's a pro, he has a process on how he does things and how he prepares. And I think that's something that helps the rookies know what to do and how to prepare it.
Jones: And I think a lot of our vets in our room do a good job with preparation and showing up ready to ask the right questions or ready to understand something that they may not be as familiar with. So Ty's been really helpful in the group.
Jones: Isaiah and Malakak were maybe bar coming out of college. How do you see their development, particularly in Robert? Do you mean Isaiah Bond and Malakak? And Malakak were the one. They've been doing a good job. I think it's always fun and a little thing and they do a good job in the summer. They find their trainers and the best thing I can do for them is just communicate what they might be deficient at or things that you see early on in camp or when you're watching film from the last year.
Jones: So the best thing I can do is communicate it and the best thing they can do is try to develop it and work on it. And they've done a great job of it.
Jones: You mentioned blocking and that's an important part for wide receivers. Where do you see, especially the first and second year players, whether it's insert blocking, crack blocking, those kind of things. How have you seen their development of blocking since the start of kind of Austin? Monk always says when you see little guys blocking down the field, it gets everybody hyped and it brings the whole offense together. And I would say once the pads go on, you tend to find out what guys are made of. But they haven't folded or backed down from any challenge you put them into. So it's been very impressive. It's been fun. All of the receivers, they've done a good job.
Jones: How about Jerry? As Jerry tries to rebound from a frustrating season last year. What do you see in Jerry right now? He just wants to be great. Shows up every day, wants to be great, knows what to do, knows what questions to ask. And he goes out there and plays hard every play. So it's the best thing we can do, best thing he can do for himself. And it's my job to help him get there or help him spot things and work on them. So he's got the mindset. It's all about going there and doing it. He's doing a good job so far.
Jones: Kind of like Gage and Luke, now being your second year. What have you seen in the first year? We have a really capped wide receiver. What have you seen from those two? Gage and Luke have been very energetic. They've been making plays down the field. They've been really doing well in the slot. And then I can move them outside and put them down the field on third levels. I think it's just those two knowing what to do and being able to move them around.
Jones: Again, there's a lot of trust with those two. And I think they've been players I can rely on. And the group I've been able to rely on. I mean, we're doing ACT today, our walkthrough. And Gage and Luke are out there communicating with other players, helping them, and I think it's great.
Jones: Well, thank you guys. Have a good day.