Grading Cleveland Browns position groups before free agency and draft
By Clay Goodwin
Wide receivers: A
The wide receiver group is incredibly gifted, however it is top-heavy. The corps is clearly led by Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. After the two stars there is not much certainty. Rashard Higgins looked to be a solid third receiver until he rarely played or was targeted last season. Antonio Callaway seemed to be a rising star for the Browns, but was released after several behavioral mistakes.
The Browns can still bring Higgins back to the team and they also have players such as Damion Ratley and KhaDarel Hodge for depth.
Despite the true lack of depth, the Browns have an elite receiver duo in Landry and Beckham. Both players are among the top in the NFL and are a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover. Even in a down year for the offense and both receivers battling injuries, Landry and Beckham both eclipsed 1,000 yards.
Because of the losing record, a lot of the attention and blame gets put on these two stars. Fans cannot forget the kind of players these two are: absolute stars.
With Freddie Kitchens out at head coach there should be less offensive dysfunction and confusion. Stefanski had a similar receiver duo in Minnesota with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, although the Browns duo is even more talented.
Watch for a well-designed playbook for these receivers. A big year should be coming for the passing game.