2016 Cleveland Browns roster analysis: The wide receivers

Corey Coleman

Age: 22 

Experience: 1 year

Contract Status: Free Agent 2021 

Corey Coleman was selected by the Browns in the first round, 15th overall out of Baylor University in last April’s draft. In his three-year career as a Baylor Bear, he posted 3,009 yards and 33 touchdowns. In 2015 he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award for being the nation’s best receiver.

Under the offensive-minded Hue Jackson, the team coveted adding a number one playmaking receiver. The Browns were originally slated to pick second overall but after two separate trade downs to acquire additional draft picks they ended up in the 15th spot. Cleveland made Coleman the first receiver selected over other eventual first rounders in Will Fuller, Josh Doctson and Laquon Treadwell.

Coleman was an ideal fit for Jackson’s offense because of his elite ability to stretch the field. The Browns offense has been missing a receiver with the ability to take the top off the defense for a while and Coleman adds that element.

Coleman lacks size, listed at 5-foot-11, 194 pounds, but he makes up for it with his natural athletic ability to leap and win contested jump balls. His pre-draft concerns were if his size would affect his ability to transition against physical cornerbacks. Another concern was his lack of running the whole route tree at Baylor. Baylor primarily got him the ball quickly in space or threw it deep to him on fades or posts. Developing crisp intermediate routes will be the key for his long-term success.

In his rookie season with the Browns, Coleman flashed the potential which made him a top-20 draft selection. In the home opener against Baltimore, it seemed like he had his “I arrived at the NFL moment,” scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter and catching five passes for 104 yards on the day. Coleman showed his potential to be a lethal number one receiver as he burnt the defense vertically for his first touchdown.

Following the rookie’s impressive game, he broke his hand in practice the ensuing week. He was then sidelined six weeks before playing again in Week 9 against Dallas. In his return, Coleman struggled. With inconsistent play across the offense it was challenging for the rookie to make an impact. Coleman caught one touchdown in his return and didn’t surpass 50 receiving yards in a single game.

It was a disappointment for the team’s top draft selection to be sidelined for a meaningful amount of games during his rookie year. Experience is a rookie’s best friend and Coleman missed out on a large amount snaps that would help aid his development and transition into the league.

2016 Stats: 

Tgt  Rec  Yds    TD

73   33   413      3

2017 Outlook: 

Heading into Coleman’s first full offseason it will be crucial for the now sophomore receiver to stay healthy. His priority should be to get bigger, faster and stronger in the Browns’ strength and conditioning program. With a whole summer to retool and reassemble his offense, Coach Jackson will be excited to have a healthy Coleman to make him a featured part of his offense. T