CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns kicked off Phase III of the off-season program this week, which consists of 10 Organized Team Activities over three weeks, followed by the mandatory full-squad minicamp June 7-9. Once a week during OTAs, members of the media are permitted to watch the two-hour practice and then interview Hue Jackson and select players. This week's open practice was on Wednesday, the middle session of the week. It featured a fast-paced workout followed by interviews with Robert Griffin III, Joe Haden, Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell. Here are six observations:

Terrelle Pryor is flashing and 5 other takeaways from Browns OTAs: Mary Kay Cabot

Terrelle Pryor is flashing, Josh McCown looks young and Justin Gilbert is getting a look as OTAs get underway.

By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com

May 19, 2016

(Photo: Josh Gunter, cleveland.com)

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Here's #Browns WR Terrelle Pryor catching a pass in OTAs yesterday. pic.twitter.com/OfgnTKlMwU — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 19, 2016

1. Terrelle Pryor belongs on the 53

With a full year at receiver under his belt, Pryor has progressed by leaps and bounds. He made dozens of nice catches, including on go routes and crossing routes. Jackson is using him in creative ways and loves his versatility. If Pryor keeps it up, Jackson will find ways to spring him on a defense.

At 6-4, 223 and with good speed, he's a matchup nightmare and should make the 53-man roster.

"He's flashed the last several days," said Jackson. "He's taking coaching from the best there is from Al Saunders. He knows this system. The biggest thing is he's settled down and understands 'this is really what I want to do and I want to be good at it.' He's growing and getting better every day."

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Corey Coleman missed two out of three OTAs this week while attending the mandatory NFL rookie premiere in Los Angeles.

(Photo: John Kuntz, cleveland.com)

2. Corey Coleman, Cody Kessler and Ricardo Louis are missing a lot

Corey Coleman, Cody Kessler and Ricardo Louis were invited to the mandatory NFL Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, and missed two of the three OTA practices this week. With only 10 OTAs in all, they’re missing 20 percent of them — and that’s a lot. The practices are up-tempo and players are getting a ton of reps.

Coleman was out of shape during the rookie camp to begin with, and needs the work. Kessler is competing for the starting job, and has practiced only once with the full squad. Louis has stiff competition from Pryor, Brian Hartline, Andrew Hawkins and the other rookie receivers.

Of the four drafted receivers, only one got a full week in: Rashard Higgins. Fifth-rounder Jordan Payton was absent because UCLA is still in session and doesn't end until June 10 when minicamp is over.

Jackson admitted it was hard to have to part with a big chunk of his rookie class. “But they had a good day before they left,’’ he said. “They’ll hit the ground running again.”

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Josh McCown looks like he's ready to step in and start a game.

(Photo: John Kuntz, cleveland.com)

3. Josh McCown looks 20-something

If the Browns played a game tomorrow, McCown would give them the best chance to win. He knows the receivers and already has great chemistry with Gary Barnidge. The line knows his tendencies and his timing. Meanwhile, Robert Griffin, who's first up in reps, is coming up the learning curve. Jackson and Pep Hamilton are coaching him hard, including tinkering with his mechanics.

The plan is still for Griffin to win the starting job, but McCown won't make it easy. He played well last season despite no running game the first 12 games and not much of a receiving corps. With an upgraded supporting cast, he could win games this season. At first, it seemed a foregone conclusion he'd be gone once RG3 was signed. Now, the Browns are considering keeping him around. He's another coach on the field, and can help even RG3.

"He doesn't look like he's going on 37," said Jackson. "He's a tremendous pro. The guy is still competing with these young guys. That tells you a lot. God's been good to him."

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Justin Gilbert is getting a chance to redeem himself under Hue Jackson.

(Photo: cleveland.com)

4. Justin Gilbert is getting a look

With Joe Haden recovering from ankle surgery, Gilbert is getting the first-team reps opposite Tramon Williams. Over the past two years, Gilbert, the No. 8 pick in 2014, lost the faith of the coaching staff and some veterans. Last season, he dug himself into a hole and couldn't climb out.

He was the forgotten man and an apparent bust. But Jackson has wiped everyone's slate clean, and Gilbert has a chance to redeem himself. Maybe he'll still be a bust, but at least he'll get a chance.

"With Gilbert feeling like the coaches have his back, feeling like the players have his back, he's just been working his tail off," said Haden. "He has all the ability in the world. He's just got to get it done on the field."

If Gilbert can't cut it in his third season, it will be time for the Browns to cut their losses.

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Hue Jackson runs spirited, up-tempo practices -- a precursor to the Browns' new style of play.

(Photo:Tony Dejak, Associated Press)

5. Jackson's lightning fast practices

If Jackson's practices are any indication, the Browns will play fast and be in great shape this season.

He runs the most spirited, uptempo practices I have seen in 28 years of covering the team. There's very little downtime, and he packs a ton of reps into each session. On Tuesday, he divided the team in half and had both running drills the entire two hours. While Corey Coleman may have been in great shape for most rookie camps, he wasn't in Jackson shape. The players have to be in tremendous condition, and they have to be mentally sharp to work that fast. They'll be prepared to wear down defenses and run the no-huddle offense.

Visitors to training camp will notice the difference immediately.

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The most vocal and enthusiastic #Browns coach on the field is 69-year-old Al Saunders (WRs, Sr. Offensive Asst) pic.twitter.com/EqR4z0gAfF — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 19, 2016

6. Al Saunders' enthusiasm

The most vocal coach on the field isn't Jackson but his trusted senior offensive assistant, Al Saunders, also the receivers coach.

Saunders, 69, is coaching like a man half his age, running down the field to congratulate receivers and simulate moves. After a nice catch, he heaps on the praise, and after a mistake, he has corrects and encourages. There's a ton of hands-on coaching and teaching happening on both sides of the ball -- from a staff that has 120 more years NFL experience than the previous one. Saunders brings 32 of those, and has 40 overall. He was part of the Rams' high-flying "Greatest Show on Turf" and worked for the late, great Air Coryell -- meaning he brings a passion for the downfield passing game.

If the receivers can keep up with him, they'll excel.