Who will replace Dawson?

Associated Press

BEREA

For the first time since 1999, the Browns will have a new kicker this season.

NFL veteran Shayne Graham and rookie Brandon Bogotay are battling for the job that was previously held by Phil Dawson. Their competition continued Wednesday at the second day of the Browns’ minicamp.

“Phil Dawson and I have gotten along for many years, but my goal isn’t to pick up where he left off or to fill his shoes in Cleveland,” Graham said after practice. “My goal is to perform to the best of my ability. That’s all I can worry about, and that’s what my focus is fully on.

“Whether it winds up being Brandon or myself kicking for the Browns, we have to go out there and prove that we can get the job done.”

Dawson, a fan favorite in Cleveland, signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent in March, ending his 14-season stay in Ohio. The first-time Pro Bowl selection departed as the second-leading scorer in franchise history with 1,271 points.

Dawson made 29 of 31 field goals last year, including all seven tries from 50-plus yards, but was not offered a new contract by Browns CEO Joe Banner.

Enter Graham, an unrestricted free agent who scored a career-high 138 points with the Texans in 2012, and Bogotay, a former Georgia Bulldog.

“Believe me, I’ve known how popular Phil is in Cleveland for a long time, and I hope the same people can cheer for me in the future,” said Graham, who played in the AFC North from 2003-2009 with Cincinnati. “But I can’t go out and worry that they might not like me. If I do, then I’ve already lost the whole battle mentally.

“I’ve played in this stadium nine or 10 times, so I know which way the wind blows, the way the field is, and the different cleats you have to use.”

The 24-year-old Bogotay was not chosen in the 2012 draft after playing three seasons at Georgia. A kickoff specialist, he only attempted three field goals, making one, and went 7 of 7 on extra points as the backup to Vikings kicker Blair Walsh.

“You try not to think too much about Shayne and I going after the same job, but it is there in the back of your mind,” Bogotay said. “I need to keep everything day-to-day and concentrate on the things I can control.”

Richardson optimistic

Browns RB Trent Richardson (lower right leg strain) is not practicing this week, but vowed to be ready for the start of training camp on July 26.

“Coach is holding me out for precautionary reasons. It’s not that big a deal and there’s nothing for anybody to worry about,” Richardson said. “People are talking about me having other injuries, but none of that has happened.”