Continuing a very preliminary look at how the Cleveland Browns roster might shake out come September, with a comparison to last season's numbers after the final cutdown out of preseason.
Wide receiver
Book ‘em: Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline, Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel, Travis Benjamin, Vince Mayle.
Left to ponder: Marlon Moore.
Last year/this year: The Browns kept five receivers last season. I say they keep seven this season. Yes, it’s a lot, but the Browns always say they will keep the best players regardless of position.
When people claim the Browns did not address the wide receiver position in the offseason, the team asks: What about free agency? That’s when they signed Bowe and Hartline, veteran receivers with ability and a track record. Bowe has averaged 66.5 catches and 5.5 touchdowns in his eight NFL seasons, Hartline 49.6 and two touchdowns in his six.
This, it would seem, should count for something. Especially with Hawkins, Gabriel and Benjamin able to fill roles as backups.
But it doesn’t — at least not to the general public or the pundits. The Browns receiving group is widely panned as the worst in the league and the team’s weak link.
As for making the team, the top five are set, and Mayle seems highly likely though he is still a bit of a wild card. He’s a big, strong rookie, but a guy who couldn’t be judged in offseason work because he was recovering from surgery to fix a broken thumb.
The other wild card? Moore, whose outstanding work on special teams last season did not go unnoticed. Can a guy force his way on the roster via special teams? Absolutely. It happens all the time. Can a guy earn more playing time with the offense via special teams? Absolutely again. Mike Westhoff, former special teams coach of the Jets and Dolphins and a bit of a cult hero after his appearances on Hard Knocks, always said that a guy who stands out on special teams will stand out in the regular offense and defense.
As for Terrelle Pryor, I just don’t see it.
On the 53: Bowe, Hartline, Hawkins, Gabriel, Benjamin, Mayle and Moore (7).
Previously: Quarterback, Running back, Fullback