Team needs assessment: Receiver
Posted April 7th, 2009 by Dan
Who they've got: Steve Heiden (23 catches, 249 yards, three touchdowns), Jamal Lewis (23 catches, 178 yards), Syndric Steptoe (19 catches, 182 yards), Jerome Harrison (12 catches, 116 yards, one touchdown), Lawrence Vickers (10 catches, 78 yards), Charles Ali (four catches, 13 yards), Josh Cribbs (two catches, 18 yards), Martin Rucker (two catches, 17 yards), Steve Sanders (one catch, 18 yards).
Who they've lost: Kellen Winslow (43 catches, 428 yards, three touchdowns) was traded to Tampa Bay. Jason Wright (22 catches, 156 yards, one touchdown) was not re-signed. Darnell Dinkins (five catches, 41 yards, one touchdown) was not re-signed. Joe Jurevicius was released.
Who they've added: Robert Royal (33 catches, 351 yards, one touchdown), David Patten (11 catches, 162 yards, one touchdown)
Who they could lose: Braylon Edwards (55 catches, 873 yards, three touchdowns) has been rumored to be traded to the Giants. Donte' Stallworth (17 catches, 170 yards, one touchdown) might get suspended due to legal troubles.
Thoughts: Edwards is still with the team (for now). Rumors have him being traded to the Giants. Patten hasn't played 16 games four out of the last six seasons. Cribbs continues to be an enigma as a receiver. Harrison was underutilized last season. Sanders' best asset continues to having a shared name with a Beverly Hills 90210 character.
What they should do: Stick with Edwards and hope he has a great contract-grab season. Still draft a wide receiver with the team's fourth-round pick, regardless of whether he is here or not.
If Edwards is traded, like many fans want to see, possibly select Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech with the fifth overall pick in the draft. If a receiver isn't drafted early and Edwards is gone, it's hard to believe whomever Cleveland's quarterback is will succeed.
Really, are you confident Steptoe and Cribbs will provide more catching the ball? Or that Harrison will actually be used sufficiently? Or that Stallworth won't spend the season behind bars?
April 7th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Browns would be ill advised to use a 5 pick on Crabtree, IMO. They need an OLB badly. If (and I hope it happens) that Edwards goes to the Giants, they need a receiver from them in the bargain. Then draft Robiskie if they can. He can catch the ball.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I agree with Gene in drafting an OLB first, then Robiskie if there. Remember who was coaching last year and some of those who weren't used much may get more reps this year. The offense was not exactly running well last year. The OL breakdown led to the QB's running for their lives and leaving no time for receivers to run their routes. Tie that to no running attack, again because of the OL and you have no options on offense. Finally, this year the staff seems to get that you need good lines on both sides of the ball to play in the NFL. I'm actually looking forward to this season.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Trade Edwards to Giants , he will be gone or hold out next year anyhow. Who knows how labor talks will go ? Draft Crabtree at # 5 if we still have that pick. Is Mavin Harrison still a free agent ? There is your #2 wide out and mentor. As for your OLB wishes . . . Marcus Freeman OSU . . .