Browns: 2015 Preseason Review Part 2: WRs, TEs, OL
Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end E.J. Bibbs (11) makes a catch as Texas Longhorns safety Mykkele Thompson (2) defends during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
E.J. Bibbs, Randall Telfer, Anthony Ezeakunne
E.J. Bibbs, Randall Telfer, and Anthony Ezeakunne are all rookies. Telfer is a guy who’s most likely out for most of if not all of the 2015 season after surgery on his foot. He has plenty of potential coming out of USC, and will likely find his way onto Injured Reserve.We won’t see anything from him until next preseason.
Anthony Ezeakunne also won’t contribute anytime soon or if at all. That leaves E.J. Bibbs. He is the one guy who has made a few statements in the first two preseason games. While he’s shorter than the other tight ends at 6’2, Bibbs finds ways to make himself bigger and makes plays.
Against Washington and Buffalo’s second and third teams, Bibbs caught 5 passes for 43 yards. Pettine said during mini-camp “He’s kind of come out of nowhere.” If Bibbs produces in the third preseason game, he’s going to find himself with the Cleveland Browns in some aspect. If that’s on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, that’s up to Farmer. Bibbs is an intriguing TE with potential, and with room for potential, the Browns would be smart to keep him around.
In summary of the tight ends, it’s a solid but not yet great group of guys. They’re a group of players who will do their best work as a group. There’s a lot of room for growth from guys like Housler and Bibbs, but there’s also consistency and veteran leadership from guys like Dray and Barnidge. The TE group likely will not have big numbers this season offensively, but they’ll be the guys who make the plays when DeFilippo needs them to. That alone will go a long way to helping the 2015 Browns offense succeed.
The other group of guys who will help the offense succeed? How about the guys in the offensive trenches, and perhaps the most important part of 2015’s offense, the offensive line.
Next: The Big Fellas