The Cleveland Browns were followed in the most recent installment of the HBO series 'Hard Knocks.' Cameras documented awkward interactions between the coaching staff, the overtures towards free agent wide receiver Dez Bryant and, of course, the on-field developments. According to SI's Jimmy Traina, via NFL Films, the Browns have not been ruled out for this year's 'Hard Knocks' series.

"As yesterday proves, there’s a lot of movement in March and April that we like to take into account. As of right now, all 32 teams are still on our board for the show," they told Traina in a response.

Cleveland has the option to opt-out of the series this year. They meet more than one exemption. There are three rules that provide an exemption for NFL teams: 1.) they have made the playoffs in one of the prior two seasons, 2.) they have a first year head coach and 3.) they have appeared on the show in the past ten years. Exempt teams can still participate in the show if they choose. Most generally forego the opportunity, however.

Freddie Kitchens is in his first season as the team's head coach.

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HBO explained why Cleveland was their top choice a year ago.

"I also had a No. 1 overall. We, at NFL Films, were looking at the Browns for Hard Knocks as our No. 1 pick from the very beginning. We did our research. We kept our thoughts to ourselves. We didn't really share it much. People tried to get the information out of us. We blocked out the noise and we got the team we wanted, our No. 1 pick, the Browns to be on the show," NFL Films' Ken Rodgers explained.

The Baltimore Ravens (2001), Dallas Cowboys (2002, 2008), Kansas City Chiefs (2007), Cincinnati Bengals (2009, 2013), New York Jets (2010), Miami Dolphins (2012), Atlanta Falcons (2014), Houston Texans (2015), Los Angeles Rams (2016) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017) have previously been featured in the show.

Cleveland Browns on 247Sports explained how teams that have appeared on the series have fared during the season following their appearance.

There are a lot of reasons why the Browns would be appealing for a second consecutive season. The two biggest proponents to the cause were the additions of running back Kareem Hunt and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Those two plus the return of quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Jarvis Landry, tight end David Njoku and defensive end Myles Garrett would make it difficult for HBO to focus on their human interest stories of the less-heralded.

Past 'Hard Knocks' selections have been revealed in April and May. The team is expected to begin their off-season training activities in early April. It will be the first time that these personalities have come together for the first time.

The Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins and New York Giants are the five teams that could be forced to appear. The Lions are the current frontrunner.