Despite brining in several roster options the wide receiver position is still viewed as a weakness for the Cleveland Browns. For the second year in a row, the Browns passed on a top wide receiver in the NFL Draft, opting to sign veterans instead hoping their experience would pay off. With the quarterback position in flux that might not have been the best route to take. With OTAs in full swing, the Browns at least have two players distinguishing themselves as starters.
The Browns signed both Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe in the offseason as both players were cast off from their former teams. According to NFL.com's Marc Sessler, both players are considered starters for next season as they are out to prove they can still be top performers at their position. Hartline told the media that signing with the Browns meant coming home to Ohio while Bowe is looking to prove he is still one of the best.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't have it," Bowe said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Those guys know what I've got, and I'm glad to showcase it this year. I have a lot left, especially after not scoring any touchdowns last year. I definitely got to double that. I still feel good. My eighth year going into my ninth year, I feel like I've got a lot of football left and (general manager) Ray Farmer saw it in me when he was at Kansas City, and everybody knows I'm a team guy. I bring a lot to the table."
Sessler reports that Andrew Hawkins could be the third wide receiver leaving players like Taylor Gabriel and Travis Benjamin fighting for playing time. Cleveland is simply hoping to replace Josh Gordon who is once again suspended for the season. The Browns were questioned when they opted not to draft someone like Amari Cooper and Kevin White, but head coach Mike Pettine is confident the Browns have the players to make up for it.
The run game is another area that could see a fun competition. Sessler believes that Isaiah Crowell will be the starter over Duke Johnson and Terrance West. Both Crowell and West had breakout rookie seasons in Cleveland, but the team still made the move for Johnson. The Miami rookie is expected to play a role in the run game, but will also have a significant role in the passing game which will also help make up for the lack of a true No. 1 receiver.
