BEREA -- In the midst of all the hype of the Browns new draft picks, one young veteran is flying under the radar.
Second-year safety Eric Hagg has been lining up with the first unit at free safety.
"I don't think you can read anything into it," Pat Shurmur said. The Browns chose to let versatile Mike Adams leave in free agency, putting the honus on Hagg step up and contribute.
Most felt that Usama Young would be the starter at free safety, but Hagg looks to be giving Young a run. He intercepted Brandon Weeden during 11 on 11 drills Wednesday.
"It's been a good opportunity for me," Hagg said. "I've learned a lot from the other defensive players."
Hagg doesn't consider himself the starter, nor does he take anything for granted.
"All I know is to keep working and make some plays," he said. "I'm glad they saw something from me (last year).
"I got some good game experience las year," he said. "I don't look at myself as the starter. I just keep working hard and give it all to God."
Hagg got off to a very slow start as a rookie after being a seventh-round draft choice from Nebraska. He suffered a knee injury and had minor surgery at the start of training camp. However, rather than placing him on injured reserve they kept him on the roster until he was able to play. He played in 10 games and had 11 tackles with a fumble recovery.
"I know what you're saying about being a seventh-round pick and having the knee injury, but God has gotten me to where he wants me to be.
"It's a blessing to be in my second year," he said. "Last year, I was thrown in and now, the game is slowing down for me.
"I just keep asking questions and if you ask people who've done it before you and you can learn from your mistakes, you'll be fine."
Notebook
Weeden No. 1?: Rookie QB Brandon Weeden took reps with the first offense Wednesday, but Shurmur downplayed it.
"Last week, Colt (McCoy) took the first reps," Shurmur said. "They're taking similar reps. I wouldn't read anything into that."
Weeden said he feels like he's progressing.
"The two-minute stuff is all new," he said. "We just put it in yesterday. It wasn't coming as fast as I'd like it to come (on the field)."
Weeden said he's got a lot of confidence in his arm.
"Overall, I'm not afraid to throw the football downfield and into tight spots," he said.
Weeden was intercepted by Eric Hagg and rookie Trevin Wade.
Weeden said he's not worried about who is lining up at quarterback at this point.
"I don't read too much into it," he said. "(The coaches) are moving guys around to get different guys in different groupings.
"The key is to go out and execute."
Haden, Cribbs to NBA Draft: Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is trying to re-create the magic of last year when the NBA draft lottery takes place tonight. He is flying Josh Cribbs and Joe Haden along with Bernie Kosar to the draft to be with Gilbert's son, Nick, as the Cavs try to get the top pick again.
"I was excited to go and do it with Cribbs," Haden said. "It's cool for the city to come together. I hope we get the No. 1 (pick)."
The trio were present last year when the Cavs ended up with the No. 1 and No. 4 picks, which they used to select Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.
Fujita, Dawson Absent: K Phil Dawson missed the second-straight OTA, but is expected for next week's mandatory minicamp June 5-7. LB Scott Fujita was also absent as he was at his appeal hearing for his role in the bounty scandal according to Shurmur.
Benard Flashing: One thing that has been evident thus far in the the two OTAs and that is DL Marcus Benard is getting to the quarterback quickly. He was on the quarterback on back-to-back plays last week and already has displayed speed and quickness this week.
"He looks like a different guy, physically," Shurmur said. "He's flashed and looks like he's put himself in position to have a good training camp."
Benard spent most of last season on injured reserve after crashing his three-wheel motorcycle.
"All the things one goes through in life, sometimes helps to re-focus," Shurmur said. "He's done that and he's in great shape."
Allen Waived: DB Mike Allen was waived Wednesday. Allen was an undrafted free agent from James Madison.
Schaefering, Williams Out: Shurmur said that DL Brian Schaefering had groin surgery and was coming along fine. He said they hoped to originally have him back for training camp, but there's a chance he will be back for the last week of OTAs. Also, FB Eddie Williams missed practice with a toe injury.
Joe's Day: Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas visited the students at Messiah Lutheran School for their fundraising efforts as part of the 7th Annual Q104 Pledge for Pets Radiothon to benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League. The fourth grade class raised $700 in just a few weeks for the cause. Thomas and his wife, Annie met with the students at the school in Fairview Park.
