Cleveland Browns: Is team unhappy with wide receivers?
By Randy Gurzi
Even though they added Jarvis Landry and Antonio Callaway to a group that already had Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman, the Cleveland Browns are reportedly kicking the tires on wide receiver Eli Rogers
Last year there were issues at wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. No one can argue that point as you had to get through four players in their pass-catching leaderboard to find a receiver.
Running back Duke Johnson led the team with 74 receptions. Behind him was the tight end duo of Seth DeValve and David Njoku — with 33 and 32 apiece. No. 4 was another running back, Isaiah Crowell and finally, wideouts Ricardo Louis and Rashard Higgins come in with just 27 catches.
That’s really nothing to get excited about and explains why the team spent a draft pick and so much money to lock up Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.
More from Browns News
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
They also took a gamble on rookie Antonio Callaway out of Florida, who has immense talent but a lot of baggage. Speaking of baggage, Josh Gordon is back as well after missing nearly three full years.
Even with all that, the Browns may not be sold on their receivers. Recently, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said the team is bringing in Eli Rogers for a workout.
"“Per a league source, Rogers will work out for the Browns and Raiders this week. PFT has confirmed that Rogers also will work out for the Chiefs.” — Florio, Pro Football Talk"
Florio points out that Rogers joining the Browns would reunite him with former offensive coordinator Todd Haley. The two were together in Pittsburgh with the Steelers where Rogers had 66 receptions for 743 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons. Rogers did tear his ACL in the playoffs, but apparently is healthy and now getting looks from many teams.
As for the Browns, his workout is likely an indication that the team isn’t sold on some of their players, most likely Corey Coleman. It seems to be all but certain that the current front office isn’t high on the kid drafted in the first round of the 2016 draft by the previous regime.
Next: Why Colin Cowherd is right about Nick Chubb
Rogers would also indicate that they don’t believe guys like Higgins or Louis give them the depth they need. Rogers could come in and bring a solid player who knows the system and can be relied upon by the current play caller, which is something that can be very valuable.