BEREA — Isaiah Bond was one of the last players to join the Browns before training camp ended. However, that doesn’t mean he’s one of the last ones expected to play when they open the regular season.
In fact, the Browns have worked double time to get the undrafted rookie wide receiver up to speed in order to contribute against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I mean, it’s an amazing feeling,” Bond said Sept. 3 “It also goes to show the hard work I put in offseason to be able to be put in different roles and use my talent to the best of my ability. So it just proves my offseason hard work and dedication.”
Bond, 21, wasn’t signed by the Browns until Aug. 18. The reason for that was due to a sexual assault arrest in April that caused him to go undrafted in April.
A Texas grand jury elected to “no-bill” Bond Aug. 14, meaning they weren’t going to bring charges against him. Shortly after that, the University of Texas product went to social media to announce he was signing with the Browns.
It took several days for that deal to become official. Once it did, the Browns didn’t waste any time getting him on the field, all with the hopes of getting him ready for the season opener.
“I think he’s done a really nice job,” coach Kevin Stefanski said Sept. 3. “He’s worked extra with (wide receivers coach Chad) O’Shea, (assistant wide receivers) coach Bravo Brown in terms of getting up to speed. He’s very, very smart. So that’s very helpful when it comes to creating roles for players. … We’ll see what he can handle, but he’s mentally and physically done a really nice job.”
Bond didn’t get much time during the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. He only played nine offensive snaps in the game, and wasn’t targeted on a single throw.
However, that wasn’t the target date for Bond to make an impact. That date is fast approaching, though.
“I’m really just looking forward to just going out there and showing my talents, honestly. Just going and showing why the Cleveland Browns made the right decision and going out there and showing my talents to the world for sure. And being a great asset to this team and helping us get wins. That’s my biggest goal on the field.”
Bond’s one of several wild cards inside the Browns’ wide receiver room. They have a clear No. 1 option in Pro Bowler Jerry Jeudy and a bunch of question marks after him.
That was even before Bond arrived in Cleveland. However, Jeudy believes there’s something that Bond can add instantly to the position that could potentially pay off.
“The speed,” Jeudy said Sept. 3. “He did a great job just coming here and just learning the offense pretty quick. He feels like a very smart talented player that’s going to have a big role in this offense and I’m excited for him.”
So what is Bond’s expectations for how the opener will go for him?
“I don’t know,” Bond said. “Whenever my number is called, I know I’ll be on the field.”
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Isaiah Bond, Browns working fast to get rookie up to speed in time for opener vs. Bengals
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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