(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
His performances in minicamp certainly didn't do much to change this.
Multiple members of the Cleveland press were very impressed with Robiskie's practice sessions. He was praised for his effective route-running and great catching ability, as he had a few great end zone receptions during the team's two minute drills. Cleveland Plain Dealer writer Terry Pluto assured fans that,
"Robiskie has come as advertised. He's smart, runs routes quickly, creates space to get open and shows excellent hands, especially in the end zone."
Many analysts thought Robiskie would end up as Cleveland's No. 2 receiver in '09, and this is becoming more and more likely by the day. It comes from a combination of excellent practice sessions and no real threat to compete against. He may not be the fastest receiver on the team, but surely he's a bigger threat than David Patten.
I believe Robiskie will end up as the team's No.2 wideout, as his route-running ability could be used with medium range patterns across the field while Braylon Edwards is running deep routes.
If both have solid years, it could turn out to be a 1-2 punch nobody saw coming.
Final Prediction: Starting No. 2 receiver
Mohamed Massaquoi (Wide Receiver, University of Georgia)
This one isn't quite as easy to predict as Mack and Robiskie.
On one hand, Massaquoi has plenty of upside. He has the weapons to eventually become a legit down-field threat, as shown during his final year at Georgia. Many scouts are quick to praise him for his tenacious blocking ability and, while he had his fair share of issues with dropping passes in college, he's become more reliable in recent years.
The Browns seem to be impressed with Massaquoi's ability to get open downfield. They are also enjoying his strength and ability to fight off cornerbacks.
On the other hand, there isn't a whole lot being said about Massaquoi this offseason, other than the above mentioned comments. There are several analysts who believe Massaquoi is going to be a project for now, as the coaching staff works to make him a more reliable target for the future.
Massaquoi's status with the Browns in '09 will depend on how much work the coaching staff can accomplish with him this offseason.
If they can fix enough of his kinks during training camp, he could see a decent amount of playing time as a slot receiver. If not, he may still see the field, just not a significant amount, as the team may already have a reliable possession receiver in Mike Furrey.
The optimist in me thinks Massaquoi can iron out enough of his quirks before the season starts and become a solid slot wide out. It'll be interesting though, as I feel he's a player who's preseason stats will eventually determine his place on the depth chart this year.
Final Prediction: Second slot receiver, behind Mike Furrey
David Veikune (DE/LB, University of Hawaii)
David Veikune is a name I will be following very closely this season.
Many fans weren't sure what to think when the Browns selected Veikune with their final second-round pick. Playing in Hawaii certainly didn't do much to help gain any credibility. In fact, when the Browns made the selection, ESPN didn't even have any footage to show and quickly went on to analyze another team's pick.
However, in doing some research, I've found there's a lot to like about Veikune.
He displays impressive speed and aggression on defense, and while he lacks the size to be a dominant linebacker, he's doing everything he can to make up for this with the skills he does have.
The result has been a display of strength and tenacity which has caught the eyes of the Browns coaching staff. Veikune has seen action at both outside and inside linebacker, where he's been using his speed to get around offensive tackles and also clog the middle of the offensive line.
Again, this information on Veikune has certainly done enough to keep me intrigued.
The Browns have been dying to get another outside threat to relieve the pressure on Kamerion Wimbley. Now they have two prospects in Veikune and second-year linebacker Alex Hall. Odds are stong one of these two could get the job done.
While the obvious prediction would be claiming Veikune will be used as a special teams player early on, the reviews coming from camp seem to suggest the coaching staff have other plans.
Final Prediction: Won't start but will see action on the field while rotating with David Bowens, Eric Barton, and Alex Hall
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