Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: WR Preview, Part 3

In Part 3 of our training camp preview on the Cleveland Browns’ wide receivers, we look at the final four receivers on the roster.

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9. Damion Ratley - Undrafted Free Agent Receiver

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 lbs | Age: 23
Experience: Rookie | College: Texas A&M

Damion Ratley was an early sixth round draft pick by the Browns this year. During his 3 years at Texas A&M, he only totaled 47 catches. His production this past season really stands out due to his yards per reception, when he caught 30 passes for 694 yards (23.1 YPC) and 6 touchdowns.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Ratley is a raw talent who “needs to improve his press release and route running.” Basically, his speed and explosiveness make him an intriguing prospect, but it will be a wait-and-see process regarding whether the rest of his game can come together at the NFL level. Funny enough, at Ratley’s Pro Day in March, it was Johnny Manziel who was throwing him passes:

I think Ratley will be a developmental player who the team would rather keep on the roster than Ricardo Louis. However, he also was not a lock to even be drafted, so there is a good chance that the team can stash him on the practice squad.

Final Roster Odds: 60%

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10. Evan Berry - Undrafted Free Agent Receiver

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 202 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: Rookie | College: Tennessee

One thing that jumps out about Evan Berry is that he is one of Eric Berry’s twin brothers. If you are expecting him to make the team as a receiver, though, he has a lot of work to do there. It appears as though it was merely the best position label the team could slap on a pure special teamer.

Berry literally did not catch a single pass during his 4 years with Tennessee; in fact, he was a defensive back. Cleveland is listing him as a receiver, and that could have to do with the idea of utilizing him on plays where he can create yards after the catch.

Here is a sample of Berry’s effectiveness in space; he averaged 34.3 yards per kick return in college.

Final Roster Odds: 15%

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11. Da’Mari Scott - Undrafted Free Agent Receiver

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: Rookie | College: Fresno State

Even though they didn’t draft him, Da’Mari Scott was one of the players the Browns brought in to Berea for a pre-draft visit. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports graded him as their 121st wide receiver in this year’s class. When asked to compare himself to an NFL receiver, he chose Steve Smith due to “his aggressiveness and passion for the game.”

Draft Analyst lists Scott’s strengths as “tracking the ball in air, adjusting to errant throws, and using his frame to snatch passes.” His weaknesses include everything after the ball gets in his hands — “average size and speed, and not real creative after the catch.” He also has a history of injuries, but is another player who could try out for a return role. I don’t think Scott will be able to make an impression with everyone else on the roster.

Final Roster Odds: <5%

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12. Derrick Willies - Undrafted Free Agent Receiver

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 207 lbs | Age: 23
Experience: Rookie | College: Texas Tech

Derrick Willies was an undrafted free agent the Browns signed, and his size is the main element that stands out about his game. Unfortunately, as our college affiliate explains, Willies has had too many issues with dropped passes:

Between his pass dropping issue and his benching, no NFL team will want to use a draft pick on him. I do see teams giving Willies a tryout or even signing him as an undrafted free agent. This will most likely be due to Willies’ size and speed. He has the ability to become an NFL receiver but he needs to sure up his hands and focus on the little things. If Willies can do these things, he can become the next undrafted Red Raider to be successful in the NFL.

Can Willies overcome his drops to try to stick around on Cleveland’s practice squad as another developmental prospect? If Cleveland keeps five receivers, I already see four with guaranteed spots, and you figure someone between Rashard Higgins, Ricardo Louis, Damion Ratley, or Jeff Janis will take the fifth spot.

Final Roster Odds: <5%