AFC Notes: Odell Beckham Jr, Browns, Steelers

Browns

Rams HC Sean McVay said Browns’ new S John Johnson III is a player who is the same mold as former NFL All-Pro S Eric Weddle.

“But if I were to say a couple guys that you’ve really been around, here’s the guys that I would really say just in the short amount of time the four years that I’ve been a head coach. John Sullivan and Eric Weddle are unbelievably smart players. I think John Johnson, who’s going onto the Browns, is in that same sort of mold as what Eric is. Great communicators, charisma, presence. I think John Johnson would be outstanding,” said McVay, via The Ringer’s Flying Coach with Sean McVay and Peter Schrager. 

Odell Beckham Jr

Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. spoke about his recovery from a torn ACL, describing that he’s able to run but is being wary about making cuts. 

“I feel like month four was the hardest for me, every day fighting,” Beckham said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Now you’re getting to six months and now you can run. Now, you’re trying to cut and you’re like ‘Oh, hold on.’ You’re running full speed, but…”

Browns WR Jarvis Landry said he’s been encouraging Beckham through his rehab and mentioned that injuries affect players’ mentalities. 

“Coming back, like you’re in your head,” Landry said. “Regardless of if you want to think about it or not, it’s like ‘I ain’t going to think about it this time.’ But you’re still thinking about it.”

Beckham expects a “special year” out of the Browns. 

“It’s going to be a special year, bro,” Beckham said.

Steelers

Steelers RB Benny Snell said he’s embracing the challenge of competition at his position from rookie RB Najee Harris and veteran Kalen Ballage. 

“Honestly, I can say I’m taking it as a part of my journey. I never have settled and been comfortable, you know that. This is my job now, you know. Another thing I keep in mind was the Steelers picked me; I didn’t pick the Steelers so I’m ride and dying about where I’m at. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. I feel like, even on top of us having Najee, you can just do one back for the whole season and hustle. I definitely know that roads and big time moments are going to come up and I’m going to make sure I’m ready for them. I’m just keeping my head down and working,” said Snell, via Tyler Thompson of KentuckySportsRadio.

Snell said he’s been working on building a connection with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger this offseason. 

“I know Big Ben wanted to start throwing and getting connections with guys early so I wanted to make sure I was back for that,” Snell said. “I’m locked in to learn and take in any type of knowledge or understanding that he says because he’s been around. He knows what it takes. It’s good to have such a veteran player, like you said, a future Hall-of-Famer on my team and I value that and I take note of that every day.”