Cleveland Browns: Final roster prediction comes with a few surprises
By Caleb Baum
Wide Receivers (6)
Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will make the Cleveland Brown’s roster. I know, I know, that’s a very hot take.
Beckham and Landry will be the most important factors in the offense (aside from Baker). These two will control the defense. The defense must react to their every breath. Their ability to run crisp routes will open up the running game, will open up the field for Njoku and the other tight ends, will open up the field for Higgins and the other wide receivers.
Bottom line: having these two on your roster means they do not meed to make a catch to have a great impact on the game.
Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins will benefit tremendously from having Jarvis and Odell on the field. Higgins has always been a great route runner and has really good hands. Now he will get the 3rd or 4th best pass coverage defender on him. That is a recipe to do damage.
Derrick Willies and Damion Ratley will be put in situations to make plays similar to the overtime catch Derrick Willies made at home against the Ravens that helped set-up the game-winning field goal. Each provide something different. Willies is more of a big, tall receiver who can climb the ladder to go get the ball. Something that not many other receivers on the roster can provide. Ratley is tall but has speed to burn and can provide a true deep threat in the offense. They will need to take advantage of their opportunities when they come.
The final wide receiver roster spot appears to be Braxton Miller’s spot to lose. As Ohio State fans know, few players in the NFL possess the talents as a playmaker as Braxton Miller. He just has not put it together on the field in the NFL. Injuries and poor quarterback play may have stunted his growth. This could be his last opportunity in the league.
Braxton may have his opportunity until Antonio Callaway comes back from his suspension. After that, who knows what’s next for whoever gets the 6th wide receiver spot.
PREDICTION: Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Derrick Willies, Damion Ratley, Braxton Miller, (Antonio Callaway)