Cleveland Browns: Corey Coleman gets piled on even more

The Cleveland Browns took Corey Coleman in the first round in 2016, but he’s failed to live up to expectations and his stock keeps taking hits.

When the Cleveland Browns took Corey Coleman out of Baylor with their first-round pick in 2016, expectations were high. He was the first receiver chosen that year and was completely explosive for the Bears.

According to Spots Reference, in his three seasons in Waco, Coleman had 173 receptions for 3,009 yards and 33 touchdowns. His final season was by far his most impressive as he brought in 74 passes for 1,363 yards and 20 of his career touchdowns.

It was easy to see why the Browns were so high on him. He was lightning quick and a highlight waiting to happen. Since joining Cleveland though, that hasn’t been the case.

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Instead, Coleman has dealt with hand injuries in each of his first two seasons and has put up minimal stats based on his expectations. Heading into his third season, the stakes are high for Coleman as Cleveland has plenty of players ready to take his spot.

Jarvis Landry is their new starting receiver who can play in the slot and Josh Gordon will be starting outside. Coleman could have a shot of being the third option, but he’s got competition in rookie Antonio Callaway.

He should be favored over the fourth-round pick, but things haven’t been looking great for him. After ending 2017 by dropping a pass against Pittsburgh that could have led to a game winning drive — thus ending their winless season — Coleman has done nothing to win coaches back over.

Now his overall work ethic and football knowledge is being questioned by Scott Petrak of Browns Zone:

"“Corey Coleman has been a disappointment through two seasons and doubts remain about his work ethic and football intelligence.” — Petrak, Browns Zone"

The one thing helping Coleman is there are no other proven options. Callaway hasn’t been able to stay on the field at OTAs and minicamps because of health concerns according to Petrak and of course had the failed drug test at the combine.

They have high hopes for the rookie, and fellow rookie Damion Ratley could be a deep threat, but those players have plenty of questions.

Next: 5 free agents the Browns can still sign

If they didn’t, Coleman would probably already be gone. If he doesn’t start turning heads and have himself a good season in 2018, he could be gone next year regardless of how any of his fellow receivers perform.

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