Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: WR Preview, Part 1

In Part 1 of our training camp preview on the Cleveland Browns’ wide receivers, we look at the four receivers who seem assured of significant roles in the offense this year. This year’s group is much more exciting than when Kenny Britt was the main attraction this time last year.

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

1. Josh Gordon - Starting Wide Receiver

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225 lbs | Age: 27
Experience: 3 years | College: Baylor

Even though Josh Gordon returned to action last year for the first time since 2014, it still wasn’t quite right. It was during an 0-16 season, and Gordon was only available for the final 5 games of the season as he registered 18 catches for 335 yards and 1 touchdown.

In 2018, for virtually the first time in his NFL career, he could be on pace to participate in a “full” season with Cleveland — not just in games, but the whole offseason, including OTAs, minicamp, and training camp. Gordon’s talent is still undeniable. He is 27 years old, but has hardly had any wear and tear on his body despite being drafted in 2012. He is in his prime, and with his combination of size, speed, and strength, it is not a reach to say he could be the best receiver in the entire NFL.

Maybe some of you have forgotten how insane his 2013 season was, when he played 14 games and caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Browns hold the rights to Gordon through the 2019 season, and he has to know that a big year could lead to the contract extension he’s never been able to get due to all of his suspensions. He appears to be in outstanding shape, and the sky is the limit for him, especially with a more reliable quarterback in place now.

Final Roster Odds: 100%

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2. Jarvis Landry - Starting / Slot Receiver

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 196 lbs | Age: 25
Experience: 5 years | College: LSU

The Browns’ biggest move of free agency came when they acquired Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins for practically a 4th round draft pick. The contract extension that Cleveland gave him will keep him with the team through 2022 and is worth $75.5 million.

Landry can no doubt make some big plays, but the great thing about him is that he is a complement to Gordon. He is going to be the type of receiver who grabs 100 catches per year for 1,000 yards and 5-6 touchdowns.

Landry led the NFL in receptions from the slot position last year with 68, per Pro Football Focus (Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals was second with 65 receptions). He is very good at getting yards after the catch and forcing missed tackles.

Some may argue that the Browns overpaid a little for Landry. Even if that is true, who cares? He has proven to be consistently good at his role, and if it took this type of contract for Cleveland to buy a guaranteed 100-catch, 1,000-yard receiver, then I’m all in, especially when he won’t even be the team’s top receiver.

Final Roster Odds: 100%

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

3. Corey Coleman - Third Wide Receiver

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 3 years | College: Baylor

There was a point in the offseason where I was almost certain the Browns were going to trade Corey Coleman, but I don’t believe that to be the case now. It’s not that I ever wanted Coleman to be traded. He has had ridiculous misfortune of luck in the NFL, breaking his hand in back-to-back seasons between Weeks 2-3. I mean, how often do you even hear of wide receivers breaking their hand once, let alone twice?

Coleman has flashed his first-round talent when he has played, but he also has a lot to work on to be a consistent player. Look at last year’s final play of the season that officially locked in an 0-16 season — a wide open sideline pass that bounced right off his face for an incompletion. He was devastated. But this isn’t a year to feel sorry for Coleman either. He needs to be confident, and rise to the occasion. The Browns will utilize Jarvis Landry a lot in the slot, which means Coleman will still get significant work as an outside receiver. Todd Haley said that he told Coleman this is a make-or-break year for him, and while Coleman won’t be a superstar in this type a role, he can still be an incredible asset to the offense.

Final Roster Odds: 98%

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Antonio Callaway - Rookie Wide Receiver

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200 lbs | Age: 21
Experience: Rookie | College: Florida

The Browns drafted Antonio Callaway despite his background. He was one of the players the team brought in to meet prior to selecting him in the fourth round, and they were convinced as an organization that they have the right people in place to keep him on the right track.

Callaway has exceptional speed with good route running to go along with it. He has impressed people through the offseason programs thus far, and his progress as a receiver will be one of the funner things to watch in training camp this year. As far as the depth chart goes, he won’t leap past either Josh Gordon or Jarvis Landry, but he could find a way to cut into the playing time of Corey Coleman. The more likely scenario is that as a rookie, he will contribute to a big role as a return man, while also seeing some snaps each week to stretch the field as a receiver.

Final Roster Odds: 100%