Cleveland Browns selected for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

May 17 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Browns have been selected to be on this season's edition of HBO's Hard Knocks.

HBO announced its selection of the AFC North franchise for the docu-series on Thursday.

A league source told Cleveland.com that the Browns were chosen from a pool of six finalists. Those finalists included: the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.

Hard Knocks will include five hour-long episodes, beginning on Aug. 7. Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cleveland Browns will conclude on Sept. 4.

The Browns finished 0-16 in 2017 and 1-15 in 2016, but made several exciting offseason acquisitions. Cleveland picked quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Browns also snatched up Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the No. 4 overall selection.

While the departure of All-Pro tackle Joe Thomas is a hit to the Browns' offensive line, new Browns general manager John Dorsey was far from stagnant when it came to aquiring veteran talent this offseason.

The Browns brought in former Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor, former 49ers running back Carlos Hyde and traded for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Cleveland is also expected to have a unsuspended Josh Gordon to start the season for the first time in several years.

"The storylines in Cleveland are compelling, which make the Browns an ideal partner on Hard Knocks," NFL Films senior executive Ross Ketover said.

"We're looking forward to showing NFL fans around the world what the Haslams, John Dorsey, Hue Jackson and the coaching staff are doing to rebuild the team and reboot one of the most iconic franchises in sports."

But Dorsey might not be happy about the news of a team of cameras headed to the Browns facility in Berea, Ohio. In early May, he told ESPN Cleveland 850 that he didn't think appearing on the show as a good idea.

"I don't believe we're on Hard Knocks,'' Dorsey said. "I don't think there's anything good that comes out of Hard Knocks, but we'll see.''

The Browns battle the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 of the 2018 season at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 at FirstEnergy Stadium.