Cleveland Browns: 2016 depth chart predictions

The wide receiver position was given a facelift by the Browns during the draft. Four wide receivers were selected in an attempt to breathe some life into a position group that has struggled for so long in Cleveland.

Last year’s leading receiver, Travis Benjamin, is now a member of the San Diego Chargers, while veteran Brian Hartline is still a free agent after being released by the Browns.

The team’s best receiver heading into this season is rookie Corey Coleman, who projects to be the top receiver on the depth chart. Behind him is veteran Andrew Hawkins, who missed part of last season with injuries.

Coleman was selected No. 15 overall by the Browns and was brought in to be the number one receiver. He hauled in 20 receiving touchdowns in 2015 as a member of the Baylor Bears, which led to him being named the Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s top receiver.

Fellow rookie Jordan Payton should also see a lot of time on the field in 2016. He was selected in the fifth round, but his 78 catches for 1,105 yards in 2015 show he is a go-to receiver for any quarterback.

The players rounding out the group should include Terrelle Pryor, Taylor Gabriel and either Ricardo Louis or Rashard Higgins, who are both rookies.

Pryor seems to have gained the respect of Hue Jackson, but no one is safe on a roster with so many receivers at the start of camp. The only sure spots are held by both Coleman and Hawkins, with the rest of the receiving depth chart being open to competition.

Coleman will be the number one receiver, while Hawkins will fill the number two role. For the sake of projections, Payton will back up Coleman, while Pryor will be a deep threat who will earn time behind Hawkins. Higgins should also be able to find some time on the field in certain situations, meaning Louis is the odd rookie out.

Next: The Tight Ends