Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: Way too early 53-man roster prediction

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 30, 2018: Running back Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 30, 2018 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore won 26-24. (Photo by: 2018 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 11
Next
Cleveland Browns
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants warms up prior to their game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver (5):

Odell Beckham, Jr., Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, Rashard Higgins, Derrick Willies

The Browns go just five deep at wide receiver this season but it’s arguably the most talented five they have ever had. Odell Beckham, Jr. is the highlight-reel receiver this offense needed to take their next step. He has had at least 1,000-yards in each season other than 2017 when he played in just four games. For his career, he had 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns.

OBJ averaged 92.8 yard per game and 14 yards per catch. What’s most impressive is he put up those kinds of numbers despite the fact that the New York Giants didn’t have great talent around him for much of his career. Before Saquon Barkley, their running game was non-existent and the receiver talent wasn’t great outside of Sterling Shepard. On top of that, Eli Manning struggles with accuracy whereas Baker Mayfield excels in this area — especially with the deep ball.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

As for the talent around him, Jarvis Landry will be much better in a role where he’s not the No. 1 target. He was good in 2018 with 976 yards and four touchdowns off 81 receptions, but can really hurt teams when they’re overly focused on another target, which will be the case with his former LSU teammate, and best friend on the roster.

The third receiver will be Antonio Callaway who was a big-play waiting to happen as a rookie. He may disappear at times, but he also had a knack for making big plays when it was needed most — like his fourth-down touchdown against New Orleans or one of his many third-down conversions. Behind him will be Rashard Higgins who absolutely has to find time on the field. He’s improved so much in recent seasons that he needs to be in the mix every week.

Lastly, Derrick Willies beats out Jaelen Strong and Damion Ratley for the final spot. Each has their upside, but Willies had the rapport with Mayfield which will aid in him making the roster. The 6-foot-4 receiver only had three receptions in five games but averaged 20.3 yards per catch. Look for him to take a step forward this season.

Home/Browns News