Cleveland Browns: 4 players with the most to gain against Tampa Bay
With the emergence of Terrelle Pryor, media members have hinted at the idea of a Browns three-headed monster at receiver, featuring Pryor, rookie Corey Coleman and the conditionally reinstated Josh Gordon.
However, this week marked the first time this summer the three were all able to practice together. Both Gordon (quad) and Coleman (hamstring) have been dealing with injuries but were full go in practice with Tampa Bay this week. The potential of having all three receivers together starting in Week 5, when Gordon returns from suspension, would give the Browns their best receiving core since Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow lead the team back in 2007. Unlike previous years, the Browns offense has playmakers across the field giving quarterback Robert Griffin III many reliable options to throw to.
Coleman will be making his NFL debut tonight after sitting out the previous two preseason games with an ailing hamstring injury. Reports out of Tampa said Coleman looked fast, explosive and ready to play. Early in training camp, Coleman was the standout, showing coaches and fans the difference marker he is expected to be, as the first receiver selected in the first round.
“It’s just about attention to detail with Corey,” Griffin said. “You watch him get off the ball. It’s extremely impressive to watch him run every route like it’s a go route.”
Coleman has the opportunity to prove his first-round worth tonight as he gets his first taste of the NFL while he quickly gets acclimated before the season opener.
Watch #Browns Corey Coleman hurdle the fence at the end of this video pic.twitter.com/A6gDkNkM2L
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2016
The key for Coleman is not to let the opportunity of playing in his first game get to big for him. Once Coleman settles into the game, he will be able to go full speed against opposing defensive backs. Coleman will be able to quickly see what he is successful at and what part of his route tree needs improvement.
“I don’t think he has any problem with the route tree,” Jackson said this week. “That’s not it at all. We carry a lot of different verbiage in our offense. Sometimes players can get stuck that way, and that’s what’s expected. He has done a great job, and I’m looking forward to watching him on Friday night.”
Next: Josh Gordon