The group of pass catchers on the Cleveland Browns roster are quite impressive and may be one of the best groups in the league.
The possibility of the Cleveland Browns pass catching group looking like it currently did not seem possible a few years ago. To have players who can actually make an impact on any given play and not guys who were full of unfilled potential. Now with Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, Rashard Higgins and David Njoku in the mix, few teams can rival the talent level of this group.
Beckham and Landry
With Odell Beckham Jr. now occupying the number one receiver spot this allows Jarvis Landry to slide into his natural role. Essentially Robin to Beckham’s Batman. Beckham will always draw the attention of the defense while Landry will perform better in a complimentary role. Especially when that role is in an offense that features Beckham. With Beckham drawing a lot of attention this gives Landry the opportunity to run wild in the secondary.
Odell Beckham Jr. will be the dominant receiver that Cleveland fans have been wanting for years. Spectacular catches and impressive performances will be the norm. Beckham’s presence alone will open up the rest of the offense. Defense’s will be so worried about getting beat by Beckham that others will be able to make plays.
Callaway, Higgins and Njoku
Antonio Callaway can be Cleveland’s deep threat. Although he is more talented than others normally used in that role. A role that last year was occupied by the now departed Breshad Perriman. Callaway showed his ability to get behind the defense occasionally last season, but should be able to do so much more easily this season. Callaway should line up on the outside along with Beckham while Landry is in the slot. Although Callaway is capable of taking snaps as a slot receiver as well.
Rashard Higgins is back after signing a one-year deal and like Callaway will benefit with the presence of Beckham and Landry. Higgins already has chemistry with Baker Mayfield, now add in the fact that he is essentially a third/fourth receiver in this offense and that is quite impressive. Higgins showed his ability to be a go-to target when needed for Mayfield and should be able to build upon that next season.
All this talk about receivers and there is still David Njoku to discuss. Njoku is a physical freak who has improved over his first two seasons. The Browns should be able to get Njoku in more favorable matchups due to the other pass catchers on the roster. This season could be a breakout for the Browns tight end.
At the end of the day Baker Mayfield is what makes this offense work. If a pass catcher is unable to get open Mayfield will move on to the next one. Mayfield is the type of quarterback who does not need superstar pass catchers. Rather Mayfield is able to make plays with just about anyone that lines up under center. Having superstar players is a just a bonus and makes the Cleveland Browns offense that much more dangerous.
