Browns: 2015 Preseason Review Part 2: WRs, TEs, OL

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Hawkins

While the prototypical NFL player height might be 6′ or taller, sometimes players can overcome lack of height with the ability to just make big plays. For Andrew Hawkins, he’s one of those types of players. The former Toledo Rocket is listed at 5’7, but his play-making ability for the Browns last season would be listed much higher.

Playing the slot receiver position for the Browns and sometimes spreading out wide, Hawkins led the Browns receiving core last season with 63 receptions for 824 yards and 2 TD’s. He quickly became one of Brian Hoyer‘s favorite targets, and with a 13.1 average per reception his production was anything but short for the Browns.

Hawkins was brought in as a free agent by Farmer before the 2014 season. In previous seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Hawkins wasn’t known for accumulating yardage, but instead was a safety net across the middle of the field and in short yardage situations for QB Andy Dalton. As Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com points out in a series of training videos captured by Hawk himself, Hawkins has pretty quick feet. That quickness and his overall speed have helped him find success in the NFL, but Kevin Jones of ClevelandBrowns.com also praises Hawkins football smarts.

Those smarts, combined with Hawkins speed and quickness help him overcome being under 6′ and translate well to the field. He quickly became a favorite target of Hoyer last season and will quickly become a weapon for McCown this season. So far through two preseason games Hawkins hasn’t had much production. Should fans be worried? Not at all.

Hawkins like Hartline is a pro’s pro. It’s doubtful that Hawkins will have the kind of season he did in 2014, but that’s not reflective of a decline or his height. The Browns will boast more weapons at WR this season with the additions of Hartline and Bowe, and Hawkins won’t find himself as the only option. He’s going to be out there doing the little things, and when McCown looks his direction Hawk will be ready.

Who else will be ready? How about another familiar face at WR who might be the Browns best deep threat?

Next: He Is Fast, But Can He Stay Healthy?