A Tough Start for Robiskie: Fighting for Number Three WR?

It has been a tough introduction to the NFL for Brian Robiskie.  The former Buckeye is known to be impeccably prepared.  He has some advantages being the son of a longtime NFL coach and a former Browns ballboy and Ohio fan-favourite.  But times have been rough in Berea.

At the fourth day of training camp, Robo dropped three passes over five plays.  He frequently appears to get the brunt of criticism from the coaches at practice.  We saw that first-hand at two training camp sessions during which Robiskie seemed to struggle with his normally solid hands.  Of course, that may be a reflection of high expectations for the number 36 overall second round draft pick.

Near the beginning of training camp, there was speculation in some circles that Brian may land the starting WR position opposite Braylon Edwards.  That discussion seems to have disappeared.  The Team depth chart and the general media consensus now seems to be that the second WR starting position on opening day against the Vikings will either go to Mike Furrey or Josh Cribbs.  Cribbs has had a wonderful training camp.  He has never caught the football better.  And Mike Furrey’s experience has come to fruition for the Browns.  He was signed having tallied 198 total career receptions for 7 TDs and more than 2000 yards from 2003 to 2008 with the Rams and then the Lions.  He can also play special teams;  in that way he and Cribbs have some common attributes.

That has left Robiskie on the outside looking in.  He and our other second round draftee, Mohamed Massaquoi, will battle for the three and four WR positions.

This is not at all surprising given that very few receivers ever make a material impact in their rookie season in the NFL.  Guys like Boldin are a rare commodity (and he was not a first round draft pick).  Robo remains, however, a tremendous asset to the Browns who will likely get some decent playing time this season.  In most fantasy football ratings, Robiskie ranks an impressive third among rookie receivers, behind only Michael Crabtree and Percy Harvin.

Who do you think should get the nod opposite Braylon?  Furrey or Cribbs?  Or maybe you think that Robiskie should still be considered?

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On another note, let’s face it;  the Browns need any edge we can get to finally win a home opener this year against the men in purple.  We just might have that edge in the form of some reported discontent in the Vikings’ locker room.   Adam Schefter has reported twice now that there is indeed serious fragmentation among the Minnesota players regarding the insertion of Brett Favre into the starting QB position over Jackson and Rosenfels.  With an arsenal that includes Peterson and Harvin, we will take any edge that comes our way.  Wouldn’t it be so sweet to spoil Favre’s return from the funny farm.

Go Browns!  Enjoy the game against the Titans.

-Clayton