Former Warrior Mel Purcell was an intriguing, athletic sixth-round prospect last year who had some experience in a three-man defensive front from his days at the University of Hawaii. Though that may have given him an advantage initially, he found himself basically starting from scratch with the Browns.
"I learned a whole bunch," Purcell said. "It's been fun, but kind of hard at the same time. But it's been exciting just getting all the information from the coaches and some of vets as well.
"I wasn't playing, but I was taking mental reps. Just trying to get better."
Purcell was listed at 6-foot-5, 285 last season, and he's noticeably bigger in the upper body after a full year in an NFL weight program. Pittman also has good size (6-foot-5, 275) for a 3-4 defense but needed more experience after playing exclusively as a 4-3 end in college.
"Just learning the 3-4 was like learning football all over again," he said. "But I've spent a little time in the weight room getting bigger, and that's something I needed to do.
"I think (spending 2007 on the practice squad) was the best thing for me. The whole experience was a good one for me."
Purcell said he's more confident and more comfortable with his responsibilities in the Browns' defensive scheme.
"I'm stronger and I have better technique," he said. "I'm a little rusty, though, so I'm ready to get out on the field."
If Purcell, a native of American Samoa, can survive a Cleveland winter, these dog days of training camp must seem easy.
"I was kind of scared (of the snow) at first," he said. "I only came to the facility to work out and then went back home. That was about it."
