AFC Notes: Browns, Dolphins, Patriots

Browns

The NFL ruled that Browns RB Kareem Hunt will not be allowed to be at the team’s facilities during his eight-game suspension, which QB Baker Mayfield believes it hurts him moving forward. 

“It hurts him not to be around there because if you can be around your teammates, that can help you keep a positive attitude, and that definitely helps,’’ Mayfield said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “So that’s tough to hear.’’

• According to BrownsZone.com’s Scott Petrak, LT Greg Robinson and RG Eric Kush are the two biggest weak links on Cleveland’s offensive line heading into the regular season. 
• In addition to the offensive line, Petrak mentions kicker as a weak point for the browns. 
• Petrak pegs WR Braxton Miller‘s chances of making the final Browns roster at about 55 percent.
• Petrak named DT Devaroe Lawrence and RB D’Ernest Johnson as his two biggest surprise positive performers. 

Dolphins

• A source tells the Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley that the Dolphins players “would revolt” if Miami traded LT Laremy Tunsil for LB Jadeveon Clowney: “The backlash would be amazing. Guys would legit revolt.”
• The Dolphins have told Tunsil they are not actively shopping him, but Houston’s biggest need is for a left tackle. 
• Beasley said the Texans would have to include Clowney and multiple premium picks to pry Tunsil away. 
• Armando Salguero reports that the Texans are focused on getting Tunsil in a trade for Clowney.
• According to Craig Mish, “the Dolphins are simply trying to maximize a deal for Tunsil to Houston.” Mish says Clowney is involved but it’s just about the return at this point and if the Dolphins get what they’re looking for, a deal is expected.

Patriots

Patriots RB Sony Michel first made a name for himself back in Georgia for his ability both running and catching the football. During his rookie season, however, Michel was one-dimensional, catching only seven passes. This year, the team and Michel have worked to make that a bigger part of his game. 

“Much, much improved,” Patriots RB coach Ivan Fears said via the Boston Globe’s Nora Princiotti. “Much better than he was last year. Last year, I thought it was a lot for him. This year, boy he’s pretty good at it. He’s going to be very good at it, just got to keep him out there.”

• The Athletic’s Nick Underhill says the general consensus around the league is that G Jermaine Eluemunor, just acquired by the Patriots via trade from the Ravens, has a lot of potential and just needs coaching to reach it. 
• Patriots OL coach Dante Scarnecchia is widely regarded as the best offensive line coach in the NFL. 
• Former Patriots WR Maurice Harris received $79,059 in his injury settlement with New England. (Ben Volin)