The Cleveland Browns roster is taking a new shape under general manager, John Dorsey. Taking a look at the wide receivers that may take the field in 2018.
As the 2018 NFL Draft approaches the talk has been all about the top quarterback prospects and which one the Cleveland Browns will select. For the sake of our sanity, let’s take a break from the monotonous mayhem and find something else to discuss.
Having gone over the quarterbacks and running backs, we shift focus now to the wide receivers. Our goal is to familiarize ourselves with the newest additions to the Dawg Pound and get an idea of what to expect in the 2018 season.
Onto the wideouts.
WR1 – Josh Gordon
Someone asked me once who Josh Gordon reminded me of and only one name comes to mind: Paul Warfield.
Warfield, a Hall of Fame inductee, former Cleveland Brown and arguably the best wide receiver to ever play, has secured his place in history. Gordon’s off the field issues, however, will prevent him from ever being placed in the same category. If he keeps himself out of trouble, the Browns have top receiver and a big-time playmaker.
WR2 – Slot Receiver – Jarvis Landry
Typical depth charts offer two starting wideouts and the slot receiver usually gets labelled as WR3, although that placement seems inappropriate for Landry. He walks into the building as the go-to guy and his presence will have an immediate impact.
The receiving corps, in general, has struggled with dropped pass after dropped pass, for several years. Landry, however, is one of the most sure-handed receivers in the league. His dependability will, in turn, open the door for Josh Gordon to thrive.
Some folks are not sold on Landry because he does not pick up big chunks of yardage and threaten defenses. Although I can understand that logic, I would argue that his stability will allow the playmakers like Gordon, Johnson, and tight end David Njoku more opportunities to.
WR3 – Corey Coleman
Coleman has flashed massive potential inbetween injuries, yet, he too, is best known for a dropped pass. He must first prove capable of maintaining his health before securing the WR2 spot on my list.
As you may be aware, Coleman had some level of involvement in an incident on New Year’s Eve of 2016, in which a man was beaten and left unconscious in a parking garage. There was not sufficient evidence to charge him with a crime, but he was named in a lawsuit as a result.
An ordeal like that lingering overhead, combined with repeated injuries have certainly been weighing him down.
If he stays healthy he will likely start opposite Gordon with Landry holding down the middle. I do believe the sky’s the limit for him, but I expect the draft to yield some additional competition and depth.
WR4 – Duke Johnson Jr.
Depending on the outcome of the draft, Duke may have a lesser role as a running back. He will however, find a way onto the field. The talk last year of him playing more at the receiver position may come to fruition if Saquon Barkley comes to town.
With Landry locked in as the top slot receiver, Johnson’s role remains open-ended. He will likely be utilized at nearly every offensive skill-position to some degree and it may serve him well.
WR5 – Special Teams – Jeff Janis
Best known for a spectacular hail mary reception while with Green Bay, Janis was recently brought aboard through free agency. Although he is likely secured a roster spot on special teams, it is unclear how much he will be utilized on offense.
Other Notable Alternates – Ricardo Louis, Rashard Higgins, Kasen Williams, Bug Howard, Larry Pinkard, Matt Hazel, CJ Board
Each player in this category remains a question mark. They have potential, yet none have solidified themselves as starting-caliber receivers. These guys will battle throughout the offseason and preseason to earn a spot and provide depth. Although I could see any of these guys having a breakout year, they could all just as easily be a casualty of roster cuts.
I will offer that Louis and Higgins are most likely to maintain their spots with the the team as backups. Kasen Williams is my prediction for a breakout surprise this year.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: 10 Big trades create chaos
In Summary
The addition of Landry may prove to have an extreme effect, in a very good way. Defenses can no longer shut us down by focusing solely on one or two playmakers. They will now either give up a big play, or a first down. As much as we love big plays, I am sure we will be happy with a win that comes ten yards at a time.