Cleveland Browns: Ricardo Louis poised for second-year jump
The Cleveland Browns are still looking for answers at the receiver position. They may have one in second-year wideout Ricardo Louis.
Ricardo Louis was one of the four wide receivers drafted by the Cleveland Browns last offseason. The Auburn product didn’t have a lot of production as a rookie — just 18 catches for 205 yards — but that could change in 2017.
The early reports out of Berea suggest Louis is ready to take a big step forward as a sophomore. Wide receivers coach Al Saunders has been impressed with the pass-catcher on his way into Year 2. the coach had this to say, via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com:
"“It was funny because I went back and looked at our last year’s rookie minicamp, the OTAs and the veteran camp, and [he’s] a different guy,” receivers coach Al Saunders said."
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It’s not uncommon to see NFL wide receivers make a leap in their second seasons. It’s something Jackson saw firsthand with the Cincinnati Bengals when he returned to the franchise from the Oakland Raiders in 2012.
Receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu were both rookies in 2012. Sanu finished the year with 16 catches, 154 yards and four touchdowns. Jones finished the year with 18 receptions, 201 yards and a score.
In Year 2, Sanu’s production jumped to 47 catches, 455 yards and two touchdowns. Jones’ soared to 51 receptions, 712 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Now, we probably should temper expectations for Louis a bit, considering the uncertainty at the quarterback position and the fact he won’t be playing opposite a guy like A.J. Green. However, he should be able to put up number similar to those Sanu produced in his second season, as the No. 3 receiver of course.
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Louis will likely play the No. 3 receiver role alongside fellow second-year wideout Corey Coleman and newcomer Kenny Britt. Louis is a 6-2, 215-pound receiver with 4.43-second 40 speed. The talent is there. If he does take a positive step this year, he’ll definitely be a valuable member of the Browns offense moving forward.