The Cleveland Browns could use an upgrade at the wide receiver position, and Corey Davis is a player who could come in and help right away.
Regardless of how the Cleveland Browns decide to work out their quarterback situation, whoever the guy is will need some weapons to target. While there is some talent already in Cleveland, it may be wise to add a premium weapon from the draft.
Despite missing a significant part of last season with a broken hand, Corey Coleman showed promise in his rookie campaign. In just 10 games of action, he hauled in 33 grabs for 413 yards and 3 touchdowns and is expected to contribute in 2017.
The free agent addition of former Los Angeles Ram Kenny Britt is also going to add some production to the receiving corps. Britt battled with Tavon Austin to be the feature guy with the Rams, handily outperforming Austin this past season with 68 receptions for 1,002 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Both of these guys can play and will no doubt be assets to the offense. However, outside of these two, the wideout group is thin.
The release of Andrew Hawkins and loss of leading receiver Terrelle Pryor to free agency leaves a lot of production unaccounted for. There is hope that Josh Gordon may finally make his way back into a Browns uniform but after a two season hiatus, that is a major question mark.
So where does that leave things? It is a possible that Coleman or Britt can step up to be the number one guy. It is also possible that Gordon strolls right back in and plays like time has not passed. Still, it might be a good idea to add a first-round caliber receiver.
That is where the services of Corey Davis come in.
Corey Davis was a man among boys in the MAC this past season. Capping off a career in which he became the FBS’ all-time leader in career receiving yards, Davis caught 97 balls for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2016.
All this while leading a very good Western Michigan team to a perfect 12-0 regular season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl. Fast and physical with a nose for the end zone, he has the tools scouts look for. The tape is definitely eye-popping.
Strengths: Davis gets credit for being a production machine. He cranked out 331 receptions for 5,278 yards and 52 touchdowns over four years. He is also renowned for his ability to make the big momentum swinging plays in a game. Catching the home run balls is a specialty that he has showcased often.
Probably the biggest strength of Davis has been his red zone production. His 52 grabs rank second all time in the FBS. On the intangible side, across the board Davis is reported to have tremendous work ethic. Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has commented on this quality he sees in Corey Davis.
In a draft profile from NFL.com, Lance Zierlein highlights all of these qualities:
"Outstanding four-year production. Alpha attitude on the field and not afraid to take on the challenge of heavy target load. Excellent competitiveness. Focuses like a laser when ball is in the air. Tracks the deep ball as well as anyone in college and understands how to stack cornerbacks and keep them on his hip. Has second gear to run under the long ball. Excels in intermediate and deep parts of the field…Dominates in red zone. High-point catcher who uses well-timed leaps and long arms to win the 50-50 throws."
Weaknesses: However, it is not all roses when it comes to Davis’ game. There are some flaws in his ability to run certain routes. He will have to improve his route-running at the next level if he wants to be elite.
On weaknesses, Zierlein says:
"Doesn’t always sell his vertical routes aggressively enough to make cornerbacks open their hips. Drifts, at times, on in-breaking routes, allowing defenders to squeeze the route. Needs to improve quickness into and out of his breaks underneath. Elongated into breaks when working from slot."
Then there is of course always the fear that a mid-major level player will have trouble transitioning to a higher level of competition. It is safe to say that Davis dominated the competition that he faced.
That is all that can be asked of him. Especially considering that often times he was double and triple-covered in games. Still the production continued.
The Browns need receivers. As it currently stands, there is not much quality depth at the position. The return of Flash Gordon is a question mark at best. With Corey Coleman still developing and Kenny Britt there as a veteran presence, it is the perfect situation for a young stud receiver to come in and contribute right away.
Davis has all of the abilities to not only become the top guy in Cleveland but to become an elite NFL receiver.
In the scenario that Gordon does find his way back on the roster, this would still be a really good group of four to have. It would be a nightmare for opposing defenses with all the different skill sets to account for. Also, there would be another veteran presence for Davis to model his game after.
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The Browns have done a great job shoring up the offensive line. They are going to soon make a decision on who the quarterback will be. It is time to start looking at the rest of the offense.
There are a few options to consider at receiver. However, if his workman-like mentality is anything like it has been described, the Browns want Corey Davis. A receiver who can get open in the red zone would be a huge asset. There is no measuring how valuable it is to have a guy with a knack for scoring points.
Next: Complete 6-round Browns mock draft
No one knows exactly how things will work out on that Thursday night in four weeks. The Browns currently sit with a pick at No. 12, and Davis is expected to go somewhere between picks 15-19. It may be a good idea to consider getting in the position to take an elite receiver in Corey Davis.