Brownout in Cleveland: A look at the WR Corps

It’s hard to say Cleveland rocks right now.  In reality, the Browns are going to have a WR this season deemed as their No. 1.  They’re also going to have someone emerge as a No. 2 and No. 3. In fantasy, if any of these players are starting for you as a No. 1, No. 2, or even a No. 3 WR, you’re likely in serious trouble.  I mean, really, the biggest catch from a Brown the past two seasons has been a staph infection.

It would be easy to simply write this group off as a short-term disaster. However, it’s a mistake to do that without taking a really good look at their surroundings, potential, and possible contributions down the road. We already know enough about Josh Cribbs to accurately gauge his value. Today, we compare Mohamed Massoquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Brian Robiskie, and Carlton Mitchell in a quest to choose just one for a dynasty squad.

Mohamed Massaquoi
2009 Stats: 34/624/3
Measurables: 6′2, 207

Massaquoi is easily the best downfield threat the Browns have. He possesses great long speed and tracks the ball well. He was probably wise to leave Georgia with Matt Stafford last year, but you have to wonder if he really could have landed in a tougher spot to develop chemistry with a QB.  He’s already gone from Quinn to Anderson to Quinn to Delhomme.  He’ll likely need to introduce himself to Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy at some point in 2010 as well.

I like Massaquoi’s ability, though.  He has the ability to break tackles and get behind DBs. He also has adequate height to win some one-on-one battles. He’ll need to learn to run some crisper routes, but there’s quite a bit to like here.

Chansi Stuckey
2009 Stats: 30/318/2 (19/198/1 with Cleveland after the trade from NYJ)
Measurables: 6′0, 196

Stuckey is the definition of a possession receiver. He lacks the ideal size to be a legitimate threat in the red zone and doesn’t have the strength to easily beat aggressive coverages.  His 11 ypc average doesn’t scream “explosive” to anyone.  His value is likely in a very deep PPR league as a WR5 or beyond.

Brian Robiskie
2009 Stats: 7/106/0
Measurables: 6′3, 209

The former Buckeye was highly touted as the most NFL ready WR in last year’s draft. His father is a former NFL Head Coach, so you’d think he’d have a great chance of avoiding the NFL culture shock. However, Robiskie had a total nightmare of a rookie season.  He was passed on the depth chart early by Massaquoi and never really recovered.  On the bright side, he can consider last season a redshirt year, and he’s shown improvement over the offseason.

Carlton Mitchell
2009 Stats: N/A
Measurables: 6′4″, 212

Mitchell is a raw 6th round prospect out of South Florida.  He has sub 4.5 speed, impressive strength (16 reps at the combine), and great overall athletic ability (122.0 in the combine broad jump). He has a combination of size and speed  that should translate well to the next level.  However, people need to temper their expectations a little.  This is a player who had just 9 total receiving TDs in his college career.  He’s a sleeper, but he’s no sure thing.

Iit’s a mistake to ignore the Cleveland WRs altogether.  While there are many WRs I’d rather have on my roster, there are few who will have such a wide open competition and opportunity to play. Today, we compared Mohamed Massoquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Brian Robiskie, and Carlton Mitchell in a quest to choose just one for a dynasty squad.

If it were me, I’d take Massaquoi.  I believe he has the best chance to be a permanent fixture in that offense and develop under the new regime. There are going to be some serious growing pains the next few years as McCoy (or another young QB) is groomed to eventually take over, but Massaquoi has the ability to rise above the turmoil and eventually turn himself into a solid player.