Cleveland Browns: Corey Coleman will Win Rookie of the Year

Ezekiel Elliott behind the Dallas Cowboys dominating offensive line is the obvious favorite, but give me Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

A rebuilding franchise who always seems to strikeout on their first-round pick, I understand the skepticism behind believing in the Cleveland Browns. That being said, this is a brand new regime in charge. Sashi Brown, Paul DePodesta and Hue Jackson deserve a chance to prove themselves before we all give up on this franchise as the “same ole Browns.”

Many expected the Browns to simply take a franchise quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, the analytically driven Browns’ front office found a better plan of attack.

First, they signed quarterback Robert Griffin III. The 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has not become the superstar who he once appeared destined to become, but there is still plenty of upside left there. Under quarterback guru Hue Jackson, Griffin will have ample opportunity to prove himself in Cleveland. If it works out, great! If not, the Browns did not waste the second overall selection on another bum quarterback.

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Instead of taking Carson Wentz with the second overall selection, the Browns traded down twice in the first-round, picking up a ton of future draft capital. Ending up picking at number 15, the Browns landed Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman.

Entering the draft, the Browns had far and away the worst wide receiver situation of any team in the NFL. Targeting a specific play-maker like Coleman was a smart move by the Browns. This offense simply needs guys who can make plays and get in to the end zone, and Coleman certainly fits that billing.

Coleman is an extremely fast and athletic receiver who can score from anywhere on the field. He does not possess ideal size (5-foot-11, 194 pounds), but he more than makes up for that with his aggressive style of player and elite athletic ability.

Coleman backed-up his 64 reception, 1,119 yard and 11 touchdown sophomore campaign of 2014 with an incredible 74 receptions for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015, taking home the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver in college football.

A dangerous deep threat who can also take a short pass and run for a touchdown from anywhere on the field, Coleman is a supreme play-maker whose skills will translate well to the next level. The main concern about Coleman is Baylor wide receivers not translating well to the NFL level.

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Corey Coleman (Baylor) is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Art Briles runs an extremely fast-paced offense at Baylor where the passing numbers are inflated. Even if Coleman’s numbers are inflated from playing in such a high-octane offense, they are so incredibly impressive that even if you knock them down a peg he is still among the best.

The 20 touchdowns and high receiving totals are obviously nice, but Coleman’s transition to the NFL has little to do with that. When watching him on the field, there is no doubt that this guy is a dynamic play-maker whose skills will translate to the highest level. A freak athlete with obvious football talent, the Browns found a great player in Coleman.

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Now that he is in Cleveland, Coleman will have every opportunity to shine. He immediately enters the organization as the team’s number one receiver and will take the field with a quarterback who can play to his strengths well.

Griffin has always been able to throw a nice deep ball. His ability to get Coleman the ball on extended routes will be a major key for the Browns in 2016. Also, Griffin’s biggest weakness has been his tendency to hold the ball too long. Led by Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio, the Browns have one of the premier pass protecting offensive lines in the NFL.

Thomas, Bitonio and company should be able to give Griffin enough time to unleash multiple deep balls to the supremely talented Coleman. That is going to equal success for their entire offensive unit.

Until they prove otherwise, the Browns are still the laughing-stock of the NFL. That being said, I think they have the right guys in charge to turn this franchise around and it started with the Coleman pick.

More nfl spin zone: NFL Draft Redo: Re-Picking the 2014 First Round

With elite athletic ability, Coleman has the raw upside to be among the best receivers in the entire NFL. I do blame anyone for saying Ezekiel Elliott with be the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, he is undoubtedly the odds on favorite.

Just keep an eye on Corey Coleman. He is in a perfect situation to blow up immediately.

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Cleveland Browns WR Corey Coleman will be NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

By Dan Schmelzer | May 10, 2016

Ezekiel Elliott behind the Dallas Cowboys dominating offensive line is the obvious favorite, but give me Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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