Cleveland Browns: Diamonds in the Rough
By Shane Carter
Adam Breneman, TE, UMass
A former Penn State player who spent his final two years of eligibility at UMass, Breneman took full advantage totaling 134 catches, 1,572 yards and 12 touchdowns. He fits the new type of tight end for today’s NFL; good size (6-foot-5, 255-pounds) and is a well rounded receiver you can move on and off of the line.
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His biggest knock is his blocking. Like another Browns tight end, David Njoku, he’s a fantastic receiver and play-maker, but he needs to work on his blocking. However, if used in certain packages, he can be a very useful new weapon for whoever plays quarterback for the Browns.
The earliest he should go is the fourth round but his small school pedigree and his blocking disadvantages might cause him to slide even further. If he does, Cleveland can get their hands on another weapon, at a lower pick.
Richie James, WR, Middle Tennessee
Like D.J. Reed, Richie James is on the smaller side of players. But despite looking like T.Y. Hilton, he plays like him as well.
He’s a great weapon both in and out of the slot position. His first two seasons, he balled out, totaling 212 catches, 2,959 yards and 20 touchdowns. Again, his first two seasons.
If not for a broken collarbone in his final season, there’s no doubt he’d be a higher ranked receiver. T.Y. Hilton is an apt comparison for a reason.
That being said, he will be a day three pick with second round skill set. Crisp route runner, good speed and doesn’t drop the ball. He’ll be there in the fifth round or even later. It would be wise for the Browns to get the guy.