Cleveland Browns: How Could The WR Depth Play Out?

Louis Is Intriging

Nick Dudukovich

It would come as a surprise if any one of the Cleveland Browns receivers that were recently drafted got cut. With that said I expect some veterans to be looking for new jobs during cuts, and no you are better off counting on the Cleveland weather than hoping Josh Gordon stays clean.

Corey Coleman makes the unit instantly better because he’s a guy that can at least find the end zone. Pencil him in at WR1. I’m more intrigued by his skill set every day. Yes, he’s still small at 5-11, but his vertical leap is insane. Match that with his speed and he becomes a lethal weapon.

Elsewhere on the roster, I expect holdovers Taylor Gabriel and Andrew Hawkins to be waived.  Brian Hartline makes the team…but it’ll be a close call, while Terrelle Pryor probably makes the team but he’s got to stay healthy in camp.

But back to the rookies. Behind Coleman, I’m probably most anxious to see Ricardo Louis out of Auburn. He 6-2–the same size as Josh Gordon–and runs a 4.4 40. The Tigers ran the ball a ton, meaning Louis is far from polished. There are questions about his hands, but he’s who I’d line up opposite Coleman on training camp’s first day.

I like fifth rounders Rashard Higgins and Jordan Payton as possession receivers over anyone currently on the roster. Both have good hands. The Browns haven’t had a dependable possession receiver since Joe Jurevicius.

Ultimately—on a bad team—the rookies should be given a chance to win jobs. In theory, the youngsters are hungry and have something to prove.

When you consider that, with the fact the Browns aren’t exactly flush with talent at the position, I can see the Browns new crop of receivers climbing up the depth chart and being given significant opportunities to contribute.

Next: Do Not Expect Many Veterans To Stay