Cleveland Browns: Getting to know the 2016 wide receivers

2 of 4

Sep 19, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) stiff arms Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Buffaloes defeated the Rams 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns were not shy in addressing perhaps their most vital need in the draft. Corey Coleman was drafted with the No. 15 overall pick in the draft and is expected to contribute instantly come Week 1. The former Baylor Bear brings an exciting combination of speed, toughness and ability to create after the catch.

Following the pick, Cleveland Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson highlighted the versatility of Coleman and said he is excited to see him compete in his rookie season.

Coleman leaves Baylor as the university’s leading receiver in touchdowns, despite leaving school with another year of eligibility remaining.

Rashard Higgins and Jordan Payton, both drafted on day three of the NFL Draft, proved to be reliable receivers in college and their respective skill sets should translate smoothly to the NFL level.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

Higgins led the nation in 2014 in receiving touchdowns (17) and yards (1,750), posting numbers that seem only attainable through a Madden video game. An electrifying player that isn’t afraid of a jump ball, Higgins will see the field sooner rather than later in Northeast Ohio as his electrifying play will be appreciated by Robert Griffin III.

Payton on the other hand, has great hands and is a crisp route-runner. Known to be a good player, and a better person, Payton is an easily coached player and that should impact his relationship with Jackson. The former UCLA Bruin has a good relationship with a former NFL player, who was coached by none other than Hue Jackson, in T.J. Houshmanzadeh.

Houshmanzadeh played with Payton’s older brother at Oregon State in 2000 and has been a close mentor since.

Posting 78 receptions, 1,106 yards and five touchdowns in his last season at UCLA, there is no reason to expect his production to dwindle at the next level under head coach Jackson.

"“In the end, I landed in the best place; with [head] coach [Hue] Jackson as the head coach.” -Jordan Payton on draft position."

Payton is excited about his opportunity with the Browns and will be another rookie to get his shot once the regular season arrives.

As for returning veterans, well, there may not be much room to keep them all. Although, those that were Browns when the team announced the signing of Hue Jackson were very excited about the opportunity to play for the offensive guru.

Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins are the two wide receivers that should be safe. Of course, there are no guarantees when it comes to roster spots, especially considering a regime change, although veterans are still important.

Hartline exemplifies professionalism at its finest and is widely regarded as one of the best locker room guys in the league. Despite not having a great 2015, Hartline is still a local kid in which fans genuinely connect with. A dependable receiver who has proven he’s not afraid of taking big hits, Hartline will be safe heading into the 2016 season.

Lastly, Andrew Hawkins is the other veteran receiver that will see himself in the brown and orange come September.

Hawkins played under Hue Jackson with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2014-15 as Jackson served as the offensive coordinator. “The Hawk”, as his nickname goes, believes that Hue Jackson is “exactly what the doctor ordered” for Cleveland.

Although the former Bengals receiver only played in eight games due to ongoing concussion symptoms last season, his capabilities from the slot position aren’t easily replicated and his production should increase under Jackson as well.

So with three rookie receivers and two veterans on this list, unfortunately there is a few that are on the hot seat.

Next: Who is on the hot seat?

Home/Browns News