AFC Notes: Browns, Jets, Raiders

Browns

Browns CB Denzel Ward and WR Odell Beckham have been going against each other in practice. Beckham says “iron sharpens iron” and Ward agree the two will make each other better. 

“It was exciting,” Ward said via Ohio.com’s Nate Ulrich. “I love going against Odell, someone who’s going to compete, and he’s going to get me ready for the games. We have a lot of conversations. I told him he’s going to be one of the reasons my game goes to the next level. I definitely enjoy [the competition], and [I’m] looking forward to going against him more and Jarvis [Landry] and a lot of those receivers.” 

Jets

Jets QB Sam Darnold said he’s been impressed with new GM Joe Douglas from his outside perspective watching the Eagles. 

“You definitely see what he’s done, how he’s helped an organization out, and it definitely is reassuring, for sure,” Darnold said via Greg Joyce of the New York Post. “I know he’s done a great job with the Eagles so far and every other place he’s been. So looking forward to working with him and seeing what he can do for our team.”

Darnold, Douglas and Jets HC Adam Gase all share the same agent, Jimmy Sexton, which could be interesting when it comes time to negotiate a contract extension with Darnold. 

“Honestly, I’m not thinking about that,” said Darnold. “For me, it’s just about seeing how obviously [Douglas] knows what he’s doing. He’s been around the league for a while, so I’m not super concerned with how he’s going to be doing things. I just know if I play well, if we win games most importantly, then the future’s bright for the organization. That’s all I really care about.”

Raiders

Raiders LB Tahir Whitehead has been impressed with the team’s additions so far this offseason. 

“We have a lot of talent on this team,” Whitehead said via NBC Sports’ Scott Bair. “You look at every position, you look on both sides of the ball, we definitely have the team to go out there and do something major this year. The biggest thing is that we just have jell together as quick as possible – that camaraderie – and make sure to continue to build with each other. You know, all pulling in the same direction and understanding that we’re all on the same team. The Raiders aren’t on our schedule. So, as long we understand that, we go out there every day with a purpose, we’re going to go handle business.”

Whitehead highlighted the veteran experience the Raiders added, particularly in the linebacker corps with Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall, that will help them reach their goals next season. 

“When you add veteran guys like that with experience that have played a lot of great football in the league – B-Marsh has been to a Super Bowl, won the Super Bowl – that’s a major, major bonus,” Whitehead said. “And just the wealth of knowledge that they have being around the league for a long time. That helps the younger guys, that helps themselves to be able to go out there and see it from different sides just picking each other’s brain.”