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Rookies-to-watch vs. Browns

With training camp starting nationwide and the Browns being 15 days away from preseason, one can’t help but look ahead towards the regular season schedule. Some try to determine how their team will fare from week to week, assigning wins and losses as they move their way down the schedule. Some mark down certain games, noting them because of certain players of interest.

In doing so for the latter, I’ve found that the Cleveland Browns have an extremely intriguing schedule from a "Rookies-to-watch" standpoint. In terms of premier talent, their schedule is loaded: the No. 1 overall pick, numerous top-ten picks, plenty of players that were supposedly considered by Ray Farmer and the front office leading up to the draft, some players drafted later that may be considered "steals" in the future, and more! Counting the Browns own Justin Gilbert, Browns fans will get to see seven of the first 11 picks play this season (if you count preseason, it would be nine).

Here is the Browns schedule and the rookies on the opposing teams that I suggest we all keep an eye on (along with their positions and NCAA teams):

Week 1 -- at Pittsburgh Steelers -- September 7th @ 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State; Dri Archer, RB, Kent State)

Shazier, the 15th overall pick in May’s draft and the third linebacker off the board, is said to be the Steelers "most significant addition" of the offseason and should have an immediate impact.

But Archer, the Kent State running back that posted this year’s fastest 40-yard dash time at NFL Combine (4.26 seconds), may be the most intriguing pickup for the Steelers. In early July, he wasn’t sure how he’d be utilized in the Steelers offense. Some say he’ll be more of a running back, while others say he’ll be a wide receiver who will see playing time at special teams. Many agree that his job is to introduce chaos, out there to boost the ire of defensive coordinators throughout the league (whether that means carrying the ball, lining up in the slot, or whatever else Mike Tomlin and Todd Haley have in mind to upset defensive schemes). I’m excited to follow the progress he makes in training camp and curious as to what impact he’ll have against the Browns Week 1.

Week 2 -- New Orleans Saints -- September 14th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State University)

In mid-September, the Browns encounter the first of the many elite top-rated wide receivers that many were upset they passed on amid the Josh Gordon possible-suspension-news that dropped amid the draft. Brandin Cooks, the Oregon State wideout that was ranked 12th on Mel Kiper’s "Top 100 NFL draft prospects" and the third highest at his position (don’t worry, the Browns get to face the two guys rated higher than him in Week 9 and Week 13), finds himself in possibly the most ideal spot of any receiver drafted in 2014. He’ll be catching passes from Drew Brees, one of the best in the business, who adds that Cooks is a guy that can "do a lot of things for us, and he’s eager to fill a role that we need him to on offense." I say most ideal in that some of the other top-rated receivers in this draft will be catching passes from EJ Manuel and Josh McCown. Jeffri Chadiha, senior columnist for espn.com, pointed out that he’s "exactly the kind of receiver who should flourish in that wide-open offense," (hence why they traded-up 7 spots to get him).

Week 3 -- Baltimore Ravens -- September 21st, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: CJ Mosley, LB, Alabama)

The Ravens are expecting a lot from their first pick, CJ Mosley, as are many pundits around the country. ESPN’s Jeff Chadiha has Mosley as an "early leader for Defensive Rookie of the Year," noting that he may have been drafted to the ideal team given his skillset. Mosley is coming off a stellar career where he anchored one of the best defenses in the country (earning SEC Defensive player of the year in the process). He will be one of the best young linebackers the Browns will see (ranked as the ninth best prospect by Mel Kiper, Jr. heading into the draft). He’s another first-round defensive asset added to the AFC North in May.

Week 4 -- Bye

Week 5 -- at Tennessee Titans -- October 5th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Taylor Lewan, LT Michigan)

One of the consensus top-three OTs of the draft (along with Greg Robinson and Jake Matthews), Lewan is in an interesting position in Tennessee (and I’m curious to see how he’ll be utilized come Week 5 of the season). With Michael Roos securing the LT position, Lewan will battle recent signee Michael Oher for the RT starting job this season (Roos’ contract is up after this year, and Lewan will more than likely go back to where exceled at Michigan). Some would have no problem penning Lewan in as the starter at right tackle, but Oher’s contract ($20 million over four years) gives him the edge as under-utilizing him and cutting him would be severely detrimental to the Titans’ salary cap in 2014 and 2015, as noted by Josh Katzowitz of CBSsports.com. If he’s unable to usurp Oher’s position as starting RT, we may see him backup both tackles, showcasing the athleticism and adaptability that landed him at the No. 8 spot of Todd McShay’s Top-300.

Week 6 -- Pittsburgh Steelers -- October 12th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: See Week 1)

Week 7 -- Jacksonville Jaguars -- October 19th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF; Marqise Lee, WR, USC; Allen Robinson, WR, PSU)

While Jaguars GM David Caldwell does not expect Bortles, the 3rd overall pick of the draft, to start this season (Chad Henne is expected to start while the rookie learns the offense), NFL fans know anything can happen: injuries, suspension, and, of course, unruly fans demanding to see the utilization of their team’s top pick. (Cleveland teams know not to underestimate the latter) Accordingly, there’s a very real possibility of seeing Bortles come week 7.

Whether it’s Henne or Bortles throwing to Robinson and Lee, Browns fans should be more than intrigued. After news of Josh Gordon’s troubles dropped on Day 2 of the draft, Cleveland fans watched "Best Available Wide Receiver" boards very closely (boards that Lee and Robinson topped before both were drafted in Round 2) anticipating a move from GM Ray Farmer. As successful collegiate wide receivers with size and speed, it will be interesting to see how Lee and Robinson (ranked 28th and 77th, respectively, on NFL Network draft analyst "Mike Mayock's top 100 prospects") are utilized in an offense that’s been severely let down by 2012 draftee Justin Blackmon.

Week 8 -- Oakland Raiders -- October 26th, 4:25 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo)

The Browns will encounter University at Buffalo star Khalil Mack, Mayock’s top prospect of the 2014 Draft, in Week 8 when Oakland comes to town. Predicted to be an all-pro, Mack is one of the most highly touted defensive prospects in recent years. In the spring, leading up to the draft, Browns head coach Mike Pettine offered praised Mack as an "explosive athlete" that can play on and off the ball, noting that he plays at his best against better competition. He could be the buoy that keeps the Raiders from sinking to a third-straight twelve-loss season.

Week 9 -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- November 2nd, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Mike Evans, WR, A&M)

Johnny Manziel’s favorite target during his time in College Station comes to town in Week 9. Mike Evans was the second wideout off the board after being selected by the Buccaneers 7th overall. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay had him ranked as the seventh best prospect leading up to the draft because of his big play ability, strong-hands, and high success rate on 50-50 balls, the latter of which could lead to some very entertaining contests with the Browns’ revamped secondary.

Week 10 -- at Cincinnati Bengals -- November 6th, 8:25 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Darqueze Dennard, CB, MSU)

By snatching Justin Gilbert at #8, the Browns confirmed that CB was a position of need for them. Accordingly, one can presume that they also considered Michigan State’s elite cornerback Darqueze Dennard leading up to the draft. Mel Kiper had him ranked 15th overall on his Top-100 list of prospects (the second highest rated CB, behind only Gilbert), and said he was "the most versatile cornerback in the draft." It will be interesting to compare him to Gilbert in the years to come, and see who has more success against the wide receivers of the AFC North.

Week 11 -- Houston Texans -- November 16th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina)

Whether it’s Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel starting in Week 11, they’ll have their hands full as the drafts number one overall selection comes to town. Jadeveon Clowney, often described as the best defensive prospect to enter the NFL in the 21st century, somehow may not be the biggest danger to the Cleveland Browns’ offense considering he joins 2-time Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt. Possibly the most challenging game for the Browns’ offensive line, Cleveland will try to avoid three consecutive losses to teams with the number one pick on their roster (losing to the Colts and Chiefs in 2012 and 2013, respectively).

Week 12 -- at Atlanta Falcons -- November 23rd, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: Jake Matthews, OT A&M; Devonta Freeman, RB, FSU)

The second OT off the board, Jake Matthews was brought in to be Matt Ryan’s personal bodyguard for the foreseeable future. Seeing time at various positions on the line throughout his time at Texas A&M, he’s seen as a "smart, tough, versatile franchise left tackle capable of playing all five positions on the line" according to NFL.com’s draft analysis of him.

An indispensable part of Florida State’s National Championship team, Freeman was snagged by the Falcons in the fourth round (following the recent trend of top running backs going in middle rounds). Mayock had him ranked as the 78th best prospect in the draft after heading FSU’s three-headed running back attack. It’s said that he’s being groomed to be Atlanta’s three-down RB of the future and could be battling Stephen Jackson for snaps as the season progresses. Perhaps he will be utilized heavily come Week 12.

Week 13 -- at Buffalo Bills -- November 30th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson; Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor)

The Bills first selection in the draft, Sammy Watkins (2014’s fourth overall pick), will be very fun to watch as the Browns travel to Buffalo in November. He was the cause for quite a stir on draft night when the Browns traded the #4 spot in the draft to the Bills in exchange for the 2014 #9 pick, and Buffalo’s 2015 1st and 4th Round selections. According to EPSNCleveland.com, Pettine confirmed that the Clemson standout and three-time first-team All-American would have been the team’s selection with that pick had the Bills offer not been so extravagant. The Bills first pick is coming off of an MVP performance against Ohio State at the Orange Bowl where set a record for receiving yards (227), and has been more than impressive in the little time he’s had in training camp this week.

Cyril Richardson, the Bills fifth round selection out of Baylor, may be someone to keep an eye on. Possibly because of a poor Senior Bowl showing, Richardson, who earned Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2012 and was projected as a third-round selection, dropped to the fifth round where Buffalo promptly scooped him up. He was a pivotal part of one of the nation’s most high-powered offenses over the last few years, showcasing his versatility by playing various positions on the line while there: right tackle as a redshirt freshman; as a sophomore, guarding RGIII’s blindside in during his Heisman run; then solidifying himself as one of the nation’s top guards in his junior and senior years. Adored by many scouts and pundits heading into last season (at one time ranked 13th overall on CBS Sports’ list of prospects), Richardson could prove to be one of the bigger o-lineman steals in the draft if he lives up to what many thought he could be after the 2012 season.

Week 14 -- Indianapolis Colts -- December 7 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Jack Mewhort, Guard, Ohio State)

Buckeye fans are very familiar with Mewhort, an All-American last season and two-time first-team All-Big Ten that was a major factor in the success of both Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde. He’s the favorite to win the left guard starting job heading into training camp.

Week 15 -- Cincinnati Bengals -- December 14th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: see Week 10)

Week 16 -- at Carolina Panthers -- December 21st, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookie TO WATCH: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU)

Another premier wide receiver passed up by the Browns amid the Gordon possible-suspension-news, Kelvin Benjamin was Jameis Winston’s favorite target in Florida State’s National Championship run. The 28th pick of 2014 amassed 1,011 yards receiving for the Seminoles in 2013, and caught 15 touchdowns (one of which was the game-winner against Auburn in the BCS title game with 13 seconds left). With the Panthers being relatively depleted at the position, Benjamin will most likely be the favorite target of yet another Heisman Trophy winner in Cam Newton. A possible (Joe) Haden-Benjamin or Gilbert-Benjamin battle in Week 16 will be very entertaining.

Week 17 -- at Baltimore Ravens -- December 28th, 1:00 p.m.

(Rookies TO WATCH: see Week 3)

Is there any rookie I’ve missed that you’re particularly excited to see the Browns play against this season?


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