Antonio Callaway named Cleveland Browns OTA breakout star
By Randy Gurzi
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report identified one breakout star for all 32 teams during OTAs and chose second-year wide receiver Antonio Callaway for the Cleveland Browns
In the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey took a bit of a gamble. In need of playmakers at the wide receiver position, he moved up in the round to select Florida’s Antonio Callaway.
When looking at just his talent, the move was a steal. Callaway has incredible speed and was looking like a potential first-round pick after recording 1,399 yards and seven touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Callaway was then suspended for all of 2017 which hurt his stock. He did even more damage when he showed up at the Scouting Combine and failed a drug test. Removed from many draft boards, Callaway’s slide lasted until the final day of the draft.
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The good news for him was that he found a great home. The Browns ended up needing him early and often which led to him recording 43 receptions for 586 yards and five touchdowns. Heading into 2019, he’s looking for even more and has been turning heads early in OTAs.
In fact, he was even named the breakout star for the Browns by Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report who recently identified one player from every team that’s been standing out. As for Callaway, Moton points out that head coach Freddie Kitchens has noticed the strides made by the second-year receiver.
Moton also believes Callaway will continue to shine thanks to the addition of Odell Beckham, Jr., who will take some of the detention attention away from the speedy wideout.
"“The Browns added Odell Beckham Jr. to their wide receiver group this offseason. He’ll face constant double coverage, which should leave Jarvis Landry and Callaway in plenty of one-on-one situations.If the latter comes into the season with more reliable hands, quarterback Baker Mayfield may look his way while opponents attempt to neutralize Beckham downfield.” — Moton, Bleacher Report"
At this point, it’s been hard to find anyone who has been around the team during their workouts who hasn’t been impressed with the work Callaway has been putting in.
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So far, the Browns have looked wise for taking the mid-round gamble on the Florida product. Should he continue to be a breakout star as predicted, they will only look better for this risk.