Jeremy Maclin: Browns Free Agency Profile
The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns free agency seems destined to be an interesting one. The Browns spent a little bit of money last year with anticipating of building through the draft for long term success. The 2014 was expected to be another down year with high expectations towards the future. Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud.
Now the Browns are full of salary cap space, even though they have a few free agents of their own they might like to sign, as well as 10 picks in the NFL Draft, including two 1st rounders. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.
In preparation for such we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for free agency.
Every Free Agent Profile Done Can Be Found Here: 2015 Browns Free Agency Profile List
Name
Position
WR
Height/Weight
6-0/198
2014 Team
Philadelphia Eagles
Stats:
16 Games, 85 REC, 1,318 YDS, 10 TD
PFF Grade/Rank: (Link)
Grade: 9, Rank: 4th Free Agent Wide Receiver
2014 Free Agent Signing Comparison Contract
Erick Decker (5 years. $36 million with New York Jets)
Decker was given a big contract to leave Denver and come to New York. The Jets, like the Browns were lacking a #1 type receiver and went after Decker. Decker and Maclin are similar ages and neither are considered dominate #1 type receivers. Decker still cashed in and Maclin could do the same.
Fit with the Browns
Maclin was a good player before Chip Kelly took over in Philadelphia, so he is not just a system receiver. His numbers are inflated by the system but Maclin could thrive anywhere. He isn’t huge, only six foot tall, but he has the ability to high point balls, enough speed all over the field and can run clean, precise routes. Like Decker, Maclin would be the Browns #1 receiver even though he doesn’t profile as the prototype there. The Browns could look to draft a receiver early and Maclin’s presence will allow them to develop.
Browns Player Signing Could Impact
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Miles Austin – Austin is also a free agent but if the Browns sign another receiver in free agency it could limit his place on the team. Austin is a veteran, level head kind of receiver but signing Maclin could limit his chances to come back. Maclin, a high pick, Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel and either Marlon Moore or Travis Benjamin would fill the top 5 spots on the team.
How Signing Could Impact the NFL Draft
It is possible that if the Browns sign a veteran wide receiver that they ignore the position near the top of the NFL Draft. However I think it is possible that adding a veteran, much like Ben Tate last year, helps the Browns feel confidence in bringing in a rookie that they can develop. Never expect Farmer to reach and good teams worry less about filling needs as they do about drafting the best players. The Browns want to become a good team and shouldn’t let signing a player at this position impact them.
Priority
Medium- Again, what the Browns need the most in offensive skill players (outside of an answer at quarterback) is a big, fast number one wide out. Maclin is not overly big, or overly fast after his surgery, but he does project well as the type of #1 receiver the Browns are going to want. He runs good routes, has good hands and wins at the point of attack. If they can get Maclin at a decent price I think they pounce. With the high quality talent at the wide receiver position in free agency and the draft, supply and demand is on the side of the teams this year.
What do you think about targeting Jeremy Maclin in Browns Free Agency?