Browns WR Debate: Optimism Or Ignorance?

     Business finally seems back to normal around the Cleveland Browns organization now that OTA’s and Mini Camps are wrapping up but as the summer months start to come into view there are many questions left unanswered about the 2010 Browns. One of the biggest debates surrounding the Cleveland faithful revolves around the receiving corps and what is needed of them. With Jake Delhomme now calling the shots under center is there a need for a veteran presence? If there is in fact a spot available for someone with more experience who do the Browns turn to?

    The new targets for Delhomme in 2010 will consist of Massaquoi, Cribbs, Robiskie, Stuckey, and newly acquired TE Ben Watson. It is also necessary to note that late season bloomer Evan Moore is still an option as well as rookie WR Carlton Mitchell. That list alone raises some questions within the organization. Cribbs, even though he is getting better, is still far from being considered a dominant force as a wide receiver and proved much more valuable in the return game and wildcat formations. Robiskie and Stuckey’s talents are still yet to be seen in a Cleveland Browns uniform and they both had problems with consistent production in 2009. Carlton Mitchell is completely unproven at the professional level and even though there is much promise and potential surrounding him, Cleveland does not seem to have the veteran leadership needed to mold a young stud into a superstar. That leaves Massaquoi and Watson to tighten up the offense and be the main production guys for 2010.
   
    The optimistic Browns fans would say “Massaquoi had a great rookie year. Robiskie and Stuckey will come around and will have break out seasons while Mitchell will put up some good numbers and become a big threat for the deep ball”. I think the question that haunts most of us is, what if that doesn’t happen? What if Robiskie ends up being a bust and Stuckey doesn’t pan out like everyone thought? What if Mitchell struggles and there is nobody there to bring him through the fire? The fact is that in the NFL your only as good as your recent production and for the Browns most of that production came from the running back position.

    Even though there are still many questions, most Browns fans would agree that they don’t believe the front office is done making moves just yet. There are still options for gaining a veteran wide out and also other players that can become key pieces in getting Cleveland back to where it wants to be, on top of the AFC North.