Justin Jefferson has big plans regarding Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams … and other observations from rookie minicamp

Justin Jefferson didn't receive much attention during draft weekend. The Alabama linebacker doesn't play a glamour position and was the seventh of 10 picks by the Browns, No. 149 in the fifth round.He plans to quickly make a name for himself … even with one already famous across the NFL.The Browns wrapped up rookie minicamp Sunday after a third practice. The rookies will soon join the veterans, which means Jefferson walks into a room with reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger and former All-Pro Quincy Williams.QB Taylen Green stands out on field, among QBs: 'I really don't think there's anybody like me'"Defensive Rookie of the Year, I definitely know him," Jefferson said Saturday. "I'm really excited to meet those guys and really excited to compete."I love to compete. I just can't wait to show them I'm better than them."That's big talk. What seems more realistic is the chance for Jefferson (6-foot, 215 pounds) to join Schwesinger and Williams in the starting lineup. There's an opening at the third spot, with Jefferson expected to compete with Winston Reid, Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, none of whom has been a full-time starter."It's going to be a competitive room and I feel like there's definitely opportunity there to do what I need to," Jefferson said. "Definitely something I'm very, very excited about. I love competition."Jefferson was a one-year starter at Alabama, totaling 85 tackles, 6.5 for loss, three sacks, an interception, six passes defensed and a forced fumble. He was vocal during the minicamp and quickly became one of the leaders of the young defense.Fano brothers relish opportunity to play together again, share tales of fighting, competing growing up"It's not hard to see the guys that love football, is it?" coach Todd Monken said. "Quincy Williams, he's been here, what, a month? And you can tell he loves football. You can see that with JJ, can see a guy that loves to play football, comes in the building ready to go."I love that about guys and you can just see it. You can just feel it. You can feel the guys when you come out to the practice field, they're ready to go, the music's going, they're fired up and those guys are fun to coach."Jefferson said his family has a lot to do with his demeanor."My dad passed away when I was younger and my family always tell me I'm just like him," he said. "It's just something I love to do, something I'm passionate about."I always been like that. Always since little league, since middle school. I really feel like my sisters just made me aggressive because I'm the baby boy and it's just a good outlet to be aggressive."Back to the name. The All-Pro receiver for the Vikings shares it.Zone Coverage Podcast"That's been my name my whole life. It just became popular probably when I was in high school," Cleveland's Jefferson said. "It's definitely cool and I'm definitely proud of him and his success, but I need to go make a name for myself."Some other observations from the two practices open to reporters.GOOD AND BADQuarterback Taylen Green didn't diminish the intrigue factor after two days on the field. In addition to his great size, he has easy velocity and power when he throws and chews up yards when he takes off to run. He also made plenty of accurate throws to all areas of the field.There were also numerous examples of why he wasn't drafted until the sixth round despite the rare physical gifts.The footwork needs work — quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian spent a lot of time correcting it during individual drills — and his delivery is too long."We're gonna have to be really diligent in trying to tighten down his release," Monken said. "When you're talking about checkdowns taken from the long release he has, to really just being able to dart it to get it quickly out of his hands into the hands of whether it's a running back or a tight end. But I've been super impressed with his ability to really learn, process and take it to the field and then getting through his progressions."The footwork and delivery issues lead to inconsistent accuracy. He'll make an on-target throw, then sail the next or throw wide.LEAD BLOCKERMonken has been adamant he wants a fullback for his offense. He had Patrick Ricard when he was the coordinator in Baltimore and believes the league has shifted back to more big bodies on offense and defense.When the Browns didn't draft a true fullback, they signed 34-year-old Michael Burton. During rookie camp, tight ends Joe Royer (fifth round) and Carsen Ryan (seventh) saw time at fullback.Ryan, who has giant calves, seems more suited for the role and has some experience in it. Royer didn't play much inline until last season and moves well running routes.TALKING TALENTQuarterback Brendan Sorsby has been the topic of much discussion after recently checking into a residential treatment program for a gambling addiction. He played at Indiana and Cincinnati before transferring to Texas Tech for 2026 and is considered a top talent.With his college eligibility in jeopardy, there's been speculation he could enter the NFL's supplemental draft.Royer played with Sorsby at Cincinnati."I firmly believe he's a first-round talent," Royer said of the dual threat. "He's got all the tools that make up a great and successful quarterback, for sure. He's big, he's quick, he's got the arm strength, he's smart, as well. He's a great player."Obviously I know what's going on with him right now, so thinking about him. But hopefully can get something figured out. But, yeah, the sky's the limit for Brendan."MUCH IMPROVEDThe offensive line might argue — Spencer Fano, Austin Barber and Parker Brailsford were draft picks — but receiver was the most interesting position group.KC Concepcion was the No. 24 pick, Denzel Boston No. 39 and Jalen Reagor No. 21 … in 2020.Concepcion and Boston seem certain to have significant roles immediately. Whether Reagor turns the rookie camp tryout into a contract and a longer look in organized team activities and mandatory minicamp remains to be seen. He has only 22 catches since the start of 2022, but his draft status generates at least a level of intrigue.Concepcion looked as quick as advertised. He had a couple of drops over the two days but is a hands catcher who doesn't fight the ball, so there's reason to believe he can reduce the drops that were an issue in college. And if he's as an electric playmaker as expected, everyone can live with a few drops.As for Boston, not only is he big (6-4, 210) but fast and quick. He looked good on short and long routes."He does have quick feet. Getting off the line of scrimmage, you can see that," Monken said. "Does a really good job getting in and out of breaks for someone with his length."The post Justin Jefferson has big plans regarding Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams … and other observations from rookie minicamp first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.