XXX - State of the WR Union
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10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
-
10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
Nate Burleson
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
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Nate Burleson
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
-
Man, this group IS one big question mark.
Will Cooper be extended? Do the Browns wonder that his age and perhaps that he might be a questionable fit in the revamped offense makes an extension worth it? Can they tap into Jeudy's potential after Denver failed to? Will the new offense show us the Elijah Moore people were promising last training camp? Did Cedric Tillman do the off-season work needed to make the big jump from willing blocker who looked like he had no idea what routes to run during his rookie season to someone who can really contribute?
You are right tia, this is a group that could really swing on the ol' proverbial pendulum from 'Strong' to 'Wildly Disappointing'.
-
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
Na man it's cool. I was so pulling for Nate to make the team. So if you think there was a way to trade for Aiyuk and give him Coopers money would you do it ?
-
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
-
Man, this group IS one big question mark.
Will Cooper be extended? Do the Browns wonder that his age and perhaps that he might be a questionable fit in the revamped offense makes an extension worth it? Can they tap into Jeudy's potential after Denver failed to? Will the new offense show us the Elijah Moore people were promising last training camp? Did Cedric Tillman do the off-season work needed to make the big jump from willing blocker who looked like he had no idea what routes to run during his rookie season to someone who can really contribute?
You are right tia, this is a group that could really swing on the ol' proverbial pendulum from 'Strong' to 'Wildly Disappointing'.
Tillman
from ota's good things have been said
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Nate Burleson
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
This would be an interesting idea. He's been pretty damn productive in a run-first offense and is four years younger than Cooper.
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love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
This would be an interesting idea. He's been pretty damn productive in a run-first offense and is four years younger than Cooper.
This would be an interesting idea. He's been pretty damn productive in a run-first offense and is four years younger than Cooper.
well he is very productive in any kind of offensive scheme. What would it cost us for a trade ? How much should he be paid ? and what to do with Cooper ?
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love Nate but he never made the team, as far as Cooper I like him a lot also. But if they could go younger with a guy like Brandon Aiyuk. I know they would
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
Willie Snead was the dude l liked that year in camp. Browns sorta lucked out in landing 2 udfa rookies who eventually carved out pretty good careers for themselves. Alas, Willie didn’t make the cut that year.
-
10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
Amari Cooper
Every receiver on the team needs Amari Cooper on the team. A proven veteran star. When he's on the field, everyone else has it just that little bit easier.
It would be quite useful if Tillman would be a good receiver. He's a WR that seems to pride himself on his blocking. An Admirable trait. I'm pullin' for him!
Thrash, Moore & Judy. We need a couple of these guys to be good.
The ability of this group to work well with Watson is what will determine the 2024 destiny of the Browns.
-
Man, this group IS one big question mark.
Will Cooper be extended? Do the Browns wonder that his age and perhaps that he might be a questionable fit in the revamped offense makes an extension worth it? Can they tap into Jeudy's potential after Denver failed to? Will the new offense show us the Elijah Moore people were promising last training camp? Did Cedric Tillman do the off-season work needed to make the big jump from willing blocker who looked like he had no idea what routes to run during his rookie season to someone who can really contribute?
You are right tia, this is a group that could really swing on the ol' proverbial pendulum from 'Strong' to 'Wildly Disappointing'.
Man, this group IS one big question mark.
Will Cooper be extended? Do the Browns wonder that his age and perhaps that he might be a questionable fit in the revamped offense makes an extension worth it? Can they tap into Jeudy's potential after Denver failed to? Will the new offense show us the Elijah Moore people were promising last training camp? Did Cedric Tillman do the off-season work needed to make the big jump from willing blocker who looked like he had no idea what routes to run during his rookie season to someone who can really contribute?
You are right tia, this is a group that could really swing on the ol' proverbial pendulum from 'Strong' to 'Wildly Disappointing'.
Coops extension would likely be for two years, 3 max. With a voidable after the first year that will pay him what he's set to hit at - around 20mil. It's the best of both worlds. You keep your #1, you allow the other receivers to develop and grow within the offense before they take over. But the intended future of this squad is Ceddy, JJ and possibly Moore.
I'm not worried about Tillman and his work. He's capable and had the flashes. Only how that pairs with the QB situation.
Na man it's cool. I was so pulling for Nate to make the team. So if you think there was a way to trade for Aiyuk and give him Coopers money would you do it ?
Love Aiyuk, but he's also the beneficiary of a team that gives him a lot of help from their running game. So the question becomes, how much can he produce on a team that will be hit and miss to run the rock at times? I admittedly haven't watched enough coaches on him to give you an answer.
-
The worst part, is that I had Taylor Gabriel on there, and specifically remember that Burleson was a goner with the pre-season goose eggs. But for some reason, still put Nate's name up. That's a solid, My bad.
Willie Snead was the dude l liked that year in camp. Browns sorta lucked out in landing 2 udfa rookies who eventually carved out pretty good careers for themselves. Alas, Willie didn’t make the cut that year.
Willie Snead was the dude l liked that year in camp. Browns sorta lucked out in landing 2 udfa rookies who eventually carved out pretty good careers for themselves. Alas, Willie didn’t make the cut that year.
Fun part about Snead, he went on to be pretty productive for Breesy and the Saints.
-
10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
Great write-up on the WRs - thanks T!
Yes Amari Cooper will get a contract extension.
Answers to your questions are as follows: Amari Cooper will lead the Browns WRs in targets, catches, receiving and TD receptions. I'll give you the specifics after the season ends.
I welcome the only Defensive Coordinator to earn a Superbowl Ring in New Orleans while understanding Revenge of the Nerds is a sequel. "Come get some!" -
Amari Cooper is the star of the wr group. They need to pay him what he's worth.
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10 years ago, this off season, the Browns marched headfirst into the 2014 campaign with their starting receivers as follows.
- Miles Austin's one good hamstring
- Nate Burleson
- Andrew Hawkins
- Travis Benjamin
- Some guy named Josh Gordon.
As a collective, it might have been the more underwhelming group in the NFL, especially when you factor in Big Smoke Gordon himself basically playing 25% of the season.
How time fly's.
Fast forward 10 years, the Browns are set to start 2024 with a WR group that could either be the teams strength, or a giant paper tiger that never reaches its potential.
Shall we?
Amari Cooper. Despite his current contract holdout and absence from OTA's, is your current "#1". By that, I mean beyond just your classic X; can also work all over the formation on the strength of having some of the very best footwork in the NFL. The downside being, like I said, his contract and the occasional drop. Something the Cowboys and the Browns are willing to live with, in exchange for the + abilities he brings to the field. One of the few receivers who can make that claim. He's the man of this group, and provides the Browns with the best option they've had since Odell in 2019 and Braylon in 2007.
Jerry Jeudy. The new comer and the Browns skill player target the last two off-seaons. His ability to function as the Z, but also all over the formation, made him such a high priority get. While a lot this is based on potential, the flashes, even in a low-volume offense like the Broncos, were readily obvious when I went to watch their games. Credit to Andrew Berry and the front office for consistently spending little capital and getting players through free agency that can contribute for it.
Granted, I have concerns about JJ getting up to speed and finding chemistry in such a quick, single off-season; but the potential, stemming from his days at Bama, is absolutely there.
Cedric Tillman. Another victim of an up-and-down passing game in 2023. A promising rookie, coming in from a Vols offense with a steep learning curve heading into the NFL. In the mold of JJ, there were brief glimpses last year of great body control, strong hands and quality footwork. He'll fill that classic, boundary X role in a similar mold of other bigger-bodied WRs that didn't have elite wheels.
His emergence would possibly work to further accelerate Amari Coopers eventual departure. As a perimeter receiving threat is a role player currently lacking outside of Coop.
Elijah Moore. Production that never matched the hype. Although the ability is there, his numbers (lack of) were a result of QB play, route structure and play calls. Some of the more effective things, such as using him from the backfield, created positive targets. But the route selection, using him more on the perimeter and down field was questionable design by Stef and the rest of the coaching staff. He was routinely squeezed by DBs and his 4.4 speed was misused down field. Along with JJ, it is my hope that Moore sees the next biggest increase to his game with the addition of Ken Dorsey to the staff.
David Bell. Not really much to be said. A former B1G 1st teamer and mid round pick. He still has the potential of developing into a reliable NFL receiver, but right now he's 5th in the pecking order in the WR room and 6th in targets (including Nkoju). A taller, smooth, route technician with limited burst. At this point, it would take injury for him to see significant playing time.
Jamari Thrash. The speedy rookie out of Louisville. He was the leading receiver at Ga State, then transferred to Louisville and lead the team in receiving his one season there. His best abilities are his work at the line, smooth stride and great burst, along with having a 2nd gear to stretch the field. His work along the intermediate and top of the route, through contact and breaks that don't continue upfield, needs a great deal of work. But his hands and strength to make contested catches is below average, along with an 11.3% drop rate.
He's a good athlete with good wheels, but the things that make a good athlete into a good, well rounded NFL receiver, are in need of serious coaching and conditioning. He'll need to add strength and technique if he wants to carve out a role beyond special teams and the occasional gadget snaps.
The rest of the lineup is a 'who'? Of who's.
Michael Woods
James Proche
Jalen Camp
Matt Landers
Practice squad, camp and pre-season bodies. The majority of NFL teams carry 6 receivers on the active roster. The last 4 names will fight for practice squad and auditioning for other teams.
It's a bit of an enigma. This group, with the health of Watson, could the the strongest unit on the team apart from the Dline. Or they could be a complete paper tiger where Cooper half hearts his game saving his body for another payday elsewhere, Tillman fails to progress, Moore piles up more injuries and Jeudy never finds chemistry in the passing game.
You'd hope more of the former then the latter, so fingers crossed for good health. Here are my questions to you.
- Do you think Amari will be given a contract extension with the Browns?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in targets?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in catches?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in receiving yards?
- Which WR will lead the Browns in TD receptions?
Great write-up on the WRs - thanks T!
Yes Amari Cooper will get a contract extension.
Answers to your questions are as follows: Amari Cooper will lead the Browns WRs in targets, catches, receiving and TD receptions. I'll give you the specifics after the season ends.
Great write-up on the WRs - thanks T!
Yes Amari Cooper will get a contract extension.
Answers to your questions are as follows: Amari Cooper will lead the Browns WRs in targets, catches, receiving and TD receptions. I'll give you the specifics after the season ends.
You really have to think this will get done, but....
When has this current regime drug their feet when it comes to a contract extension? Hell, they've given extensions to guys I figured were going to have to be salary cap victims without hesitation.
But we all saw Amari Cooper going into this season on his last year of the deal, but as we are hurtling towards training camp, still no deal. I hope they can extend him, obviously, but as the 90s musical super power C.C. Music Factory once said: This is a thing that makes you go hmmm....
-
Great analysis and input. In a similar vein to Dutch's thoughts on the pendulum swinging from Strong to Mildly Disappointing, I think this group has the most pressure and, probably, the most to prove.
Amari Cooper is coming off the best back to back years in his career. Can he maintain his production? He also wants paid, my guess is that will land in the $23M-$25M/year range. I believe they will lock him up. I'm not ready for the Browns to need to find another WR1, especially given that LT1 has some uncertainty.
Jerry Jeudy's contract is also one based upon expectation that he will continue averaging 15 yards a catch.
I'm also ready for Cedric Tillman and David Bell to show the league why they were drafted.
-
Great write-up on the WRs - thanks T!
Yes Amari Cooper will get a contract extension.
Answers to your questions are as follows: Amari Cooper will lead the Browns WRs in targets, catches, receiving and TD receptions. I'll give you the specifics after the season ends.
You really have to think this will get done, but....
When has this current regime drug their feet when it comes to a contract extension? Hell, they've given extensions to guys I figured were going to have to be salary cap victims without hesitation.
But we all saw Amari Cooper going into this season on his last year of the deal, but as we are hurtling towards training camp, still no deal. I hope they can extend him, obviously, but as the 90s musical super power C.C. Music Factory once said: This is a thing that makes you go hmmm....
But we all saw Amari Cooper going into this season on his last year of the deal, but as we are hurtling towards training camp, still no deal. I hope they can extend him, obviously, but as the 90s musical super power C.C. Music Factory once said: This is a thing that makes you go hmmm....
The longer the standoff lasts, the more it’s gonna make you sweat…
-
But we all saw Amari Cooper going into this season on his last year of the deal, but as we are hurtling towards training camp, still no deal. I hope they can extend him, obviously, but as the 90s musical super power C.C. Music Factory once said: This is a thing that makes you go hmmm....
The longer the standoff lasts, the more it’s gonna make you sweat…
The longer the standoff lasts, the more it’s gonna make you sweat…
But if an extension can be brokered between the two camps, we could officially say: "Everybody dance now!"
And with that, we have exhausted all C&C Music Factory references.
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