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Cleveland Browns: The veteran roster purge continues with Andrew Hawkins

By Steven Kubitza

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) during the second quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (16) during the second quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns continue to focus on younger talent, which was made clear by the release of veteran wide receiver Andrew Hawkins.

The Cleveland Browns are in the second year of a complete rebuild, which does not bode well for veteran players who were able to withstand the first-year purge.

After seeing players like Karlos Dansby, Donte Whitner, Alex Mack, and Mitchell Schwartz leave in 2016, several veterans are now former Browns in 2017.

It started when Josh McCown was released, and continued on Monday when Andrew Hawkins was let go by the team.

This is not exactly a surprising move, given the fact the Browns drafted four receivers last year and seem to be set to invest heavily in Terrelle Pryor. Rather, the move shows that young players who still need to prove themselves will receive the benefit of the doubt over veterans who aren’t stars.

Hawkins wasn’t bad for the Browns last season, hauling in 33 receptions and three touchdowns, but he did nothing to warrant a major investment from the team. His veteran presence was surely helping during a dismal 1-15 season, but there is just no room for him on the 2017 roster.

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The purging of veterans from the roster will only continue after the Browns potentially select 11 players in the upcoming NFL Draft. With five picks in the top 65, there will be a large influx of talent headed to town this summer. And unfortunately, some average veterans may not make the cut.

Having veterans around is great for a young football team, but it is not always the best move for a team seeking to build with young talent. And having a positive, motivational coach like Hue Jackson will help make up for the lack of veterans at certain spots on the field.

Once this team is turned around and filled with young talented starters, veterans can be brought in to help out the young players. But when building a team, it is important to stick to the plan of bringing in the young players to lay that initial foundation, instead of letting veterans finish their careers here.

Next: Potential big-name options at QB

A player like Hawkins will be missed, but someone like Pryor can step up and take command of the wide receivers. He showed leadership abilities last year, and can firmly step into the role as one of the leaders on offense. He may need to tone down his emotions at times, but just like the rest of the team, there is time to develop.

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