Browns Selected as Featured Team for 2018 Season of 'Hard Knocks'

The Cleveland Browns announced Thursday that they will be the featured team on the 2018 season of HBO's Hard Knocks:

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the decision.

Browns general manager John Dorsey released a statement after the announcement, expressing his thoughts on the added exposure the show will bring, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:

It's a reversal for Dorsey, who said on May 2 that he didn't think "anything good" comes from being involved with Hard Knocks, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Hard Knocks, which debuted in 2001, is a reality show that follows NFL teams throughout training camp leading up to the regular season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were featured last year. This will be the first time that the Browns are the subject of the show.

Cleveland is a natural choice for Hard Knocks given the number of intriguing storylines surrounding the team.

That Browns are coming off of an 0-16 season and have won only one game over the past two campaigns. Even so, there is excitement surrounding the team entering 2018.

Cleveland selected Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Additionally, the Browns selected Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the No. 4 overall pick and Georgia running back Nick Chubb in the second round.

The Browns were active in free agency and on the trade market as well, adding the likes of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back Carlos Hyde, among others.

After missing nearly all of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 campaigns due to drug-related suspensions, wide receiver Josh Gordon returned to play in five games last season. His preparation for his first full season since 2013 likely will be a major angle on the show, too.

Having not reached the playoffs since 2002, the Browns are looking to end the NFL's longest active postseason drought.