NFL Draft 2015: Cleveland Browns putting foundation in place
By Thomas Moore
Oct 4, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Vince Mayle (1) makes a catch against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Bear beat the Cougars 60-59. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Many Browns’ fans and media members alike rejoined when the Browns selected Washington State wide receiver Vince Mayle in the fourth round.
There is much to like about Mayle, starting with his 106 receptions for 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cougars in 2014. Those are impressive numbers, even when you take into consideration that the Cougars threw the ball an average of 65 times a game in 2014. (And when you realize that Cleveland’s wide receivers, as a group, only had eight touchdown receptions in 2014.)
“It’s not about taking a guy for any other reason than we think the guy is a good football player.” – General Manager Ray Farmer
Despite those lofty numbers, Mayle may have a problem with catching the ball, as he is credited with dropping anywhere from 14 t0 19 passes last season, depending on who’s information you look at.
But if we are going to hold it against Mayle that put up big numbers simply because he played in a pass-happy offense, then don’t we also have to view the dropped passes, which seem excessive at first blush, through the same lens?
Mayle was targeted 12 times a game, or about 144 times last season, so it is not unexpected to see him have an increased number of drops. He is also a work in progress after playing just two seasons at Washington State, so he is still figuring things out.
No matter what eventually happens with Mayle, judging from the reaction of fans and the media to his selection, he seems to be the heir apparent to join a long list of Browns’ receivers who would have been superstars if only the Browns “given them a chance.”
Next: Go West, Young Man