Cleveland Browns Release Unofficial Depth Chart For Opener
Four Of Six WR Are Rookies
The Browns selected four WR during the 2016 NFL Draft. All four made the team’s 53 man roster.
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This isn’t shocking, but it certainly puts an exclamation point on the current youth movement. First round pick Corey Coleman is listed as a starter, while fourth round selection Ricardo Louis is a backup.
Fifth round picks Jordan Payton and Rashard Higgins are both listed as third-stringers. Jackson was rather blunt when asked about his decision to keep all four rookie pass catchers.
Hue Jackson on keeping all 4 rookie WRs: "We drafted them for a reason."
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 5, 2016
Jackson’s statement is rather telling of the new regime’s attitude. They are starting from scratch, and want to see their guys on the field. Cleveland’s regime will be evaluated on the on-field success of their selections.
Hence the release of both Gabriel and Moore. For example, Gabriel is arguably better than half the receivers on the active roster. But, that’s not the point.
The Browns know what type of player Gabriel is. Once again, potential outweighed talent in the coaching staff’s decision process during camp. That said, four rookies and a former quarterback in Terrelle Pryor Sr. could make quarterback Robert Griffin III’s job much more difficult as the WR corps adjust to the NFL.
Next: Rookie Joe Schobert Listed As Starting OLB