Cleveland Browns position battles to watch in 2019 minicamp
By Shane Carter
Wide Receiver No. 3: Antonio Callaway vs. Rashard Higgins
Jarvis Landry was Baker Mayfield’s most targeted receiver last season, leading the team in targets, receptions, and yards. As a rookie quarterback, having a reliable slot is incredibly important. The addition of Odell Beckham Jr., a move that shocked fans everywhere, only made an already good team on the rise into a potential contender.
As far as the other receiver spot is concerned, the Browns have a good problem in having two quality receivers in position to start in their 3-wide set.
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Antonio Callaway played like he was a steal in last years draft, showing the downfield speed the team needed, plus he wound up leading the team with five touchdowns. Rashard Higgins, with competent quarterback play (finally) has his best season.
Whoever wins the starting spot outright will give some kind of clue to what this team prioritizes. Callaway is the home run hitter, and Higgins is a traditional jump ball, big receiver mismatch. Either way, the team is stocked with receivers. A good problem to have.
Safety: Jermaine Whitehead vs. Morgan Burnett
Jabrill Peppers had a big improvement in year two, but it wasn’t enough to keep the team from trading him in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Yet, here we are. Now, the team needs a new safety.
Browns fans might need to temper expectations for draft pick Sheldrick Redwine, at least for one season. It looks like the starting safety next to Damarious Randall will be one of the two other former Packers.
Morgan Burnett would make the most sense to start. He’s bigger (6-1, 210-pounds) and has the experience you want in a starting safety. Jermaine Whitehead is coming into his third season and has only been a role player up to this point.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has so far given Jermaine Whitehead plenty of praise this offseason. Making the possibility that Jermaine Whitehead’s work has gone noticed.
"“He puts a lot of time into his craft. He studies the game a lot, and it really shows out on the field.” Wilks said, via Andrew Gribble of Cleveland.com."
Barring an amazing 2020 season, neither looks to be the future owner of this spot, but this season’s up for grabs.