DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns WR Corp.

Actually just yesterday on CBD Zegura said Hartline had been underwhelming this offseason until they put the pads on but has been damn-near uncoverable since and is catching everything.

Hawk is as safe as they get. He is probably the last guy cut.

As for Mayle...who knows....maybe practice squad at the worst, but we would stand a chance of him being claimed on waivers.

Obviously pre season games are going to be big for these guys. I do like the fact that the staff is going to work these guys on different lines to give them reps against the "ones". You have to see how they stack up, but I will still stick to Benji being the guy caught up in the numbers. But again, pre-season games will tell the tale.

What is he unrecoverable from?

Whatever it is, that sounds pretty bad.

I think we may go with only 2 tight ends. I think Housler could be a "surprise" cut. Johnson and Pryor have F Tight end potential and could make him extraneous. I don't remember hearing of Housler doing anything positive so far. We could potentially keep 7 receivers that way, depending on how you classify Pryor.

lol. unrecoverable from autocorrect. Updated, thanks.

Yeah it sounds like Housler is disappointing in practices, while a lot of praise has been given to Bibbs. Sounds like Bibbs and Barnidge are making the team, Dray is likely making the team, and Housler making the team could be contingent on 1) significant improvement and 2) Malcolm Johnson's health.

If Johnson is not healthy I could see them using Bibbs in that role and keeping Housler, but if Johnson is good to go then Housler could be cut.

My opinion, as of now.

WRs that are safe:
Bowe, Hawk, Taylor

Not safe: Moore and Benji

On edge of either direction: Pryor, Maylee, Winn and I'm even going to put Hartline here.

Injuries and the duration of training camp, we'll see how this all shapes up!

The Browns know what they got with Hartline, it's the reason they signed him. Can't see them cutting him, when they know what he brings.

I'll say Hartline is in your safe category. And it's starting to sound like Pryor is beginning to write his own ticket so he's kinda safe. Much past that I don't think the Front Office is in love with anyone any more. Nobody is truly "safe". I'm to the point where I don't even bother to think about player jerseys any more. Shoot, I'm hesitating to even wear my throwback Jim Brown one to the Shoe on Friday.

I don't see him getting cut, but when there are younger, fresher, faster legs in an unknown like Smith and this Winn guy who's drawing up some quick praise... Hartline isn't elite so unfortunately, I put him in the category I did.

Understood. I just think they will want to keep that sure handed 1st down machine

There are going to be some hard decisions at WR. I can see us keeping 6 at the position ...... maybe 7 if we only keep 2 QB, and feel that Pryor can be the emergency guy there.

Hartline has been singled out for his professionalism, and his ability to do everything right. I think that he makes the team, but it does seem like he has been quiet so far. I think that a lot of this is that Bowe is a quote machine, and Pryor is the shiny new toy, and these 2 overshadow the rest of the group.

A twitter quote: (since everyone likes to talk about the size of players hands .....)

Mary Kay Cabot ‏@MaryKayCabot 24h24 hours ago
#Browns Pryor said one reason his hands are so natural: "My hands are very big. I wear a 4X glove and they're tight.''
17 retweets 20 favorites
Reply Retweet17 Favorite20

Shane Wynn keeps finding ways to make plays: Who won the day
Shane Wynn
Shane Wynn has gotten the attention of coaches and players at Browns training camp. (John Kuntz, Northeast Ohio Media Group)
Print Email
Dan Labbe, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Dan Labbe, Northeast Ohio Media Group


BEREA, Ohio -- This is going to be a little different today. Normally, for these Who won the day posts, I have a list of four to five plays that a guy makes that stood out. Today, there are only two plays:

Shane Wynn makes a 17-yard touchdown catch on a bullet from Johnny Manziel.
Wynn makes a diving catch from Manziel for another touchdown, this one followed by a teammate yelling, "Good s**t, Wynn," after.

Wynn also did work on special teams coverage and has spent time fielding punts during special team drills throughout camp.

Wednesday wasn't a day that blew you away from the smallest player on the roster. It was a solid day. A day that reminds you why, whenever you ask about Wynn, teammates and coaches rave.

In fact, today alone, Mike Pettine praised Wynn:

"He's a guy that I think, for obvious reasons, gets overlooked because of his stature and all he does is come out here and work and look to make plays. He's done a nice job, 'cause we brought him in late so he was a little bit behind as far as learning the system. And a credit to him that he was able to pick it up quick. He knows what to do. And when he gets a chance to make a play he makes it."

Brian Hartline today praised Wynn and the other receivers fighting for a spot:

"I can't say enough about those guys. Darius is getting a lot better. Wynn is getting better. Lenz is always making plays. I think special teams will be a part of it. Their work ethic if it becomes a practice squad situation. They all work hard. They all want to get better. They are always feasting for knowledge and asking questions. It is still early, but there are a lot of guys doing a lot of good things."

Look, some of that is coach speak and players saying the right things. But I've watched Wynn go from just a local kid trying to find a roster spot in a room full of undersized receivers to a guy who is finding a way to make impactful plays. He'll find a spot on an NFL team at some point if it's not here.
Shane Wynn wins Thursday. Cleveland.com

Receiver Brian Hartline brings an attitude, precision to Cleveland Browns' offense
cleveland.com

BEREA, Ohio – There's an edge to Brian Hartline and it defines everything about him as a football player.

The Browns receiver doesn't waste time in training camp or words around reporters. Jocularity is not a strong suit. The seventh-year pro is armed with a sense of purpose that teammates are quick to recognize.

"Especially when you step onto the practice field, you can tell the guy (is) a pro's pro, a guy that comes out when he hits the practice field and there's an urgency to that day's work and to getting better and to maximizing the time," quarterback Josh McCown said. "And Brian does that as well as anybody ..."

Most of the team's attitude resides with the defense. Hartline brings it to the other side of the ball, where continuity and production have been in short supply.

The Canton GlenOak product is happy to be home after six seasons with the Dolphins, but his return to Northeast Ohio is not just about playing in front of his old high school buddies and family. Hartline wants to win and prove he has plenty to offer despite Miami's decision to release him.

He's been among the most impressive players in camp, running precise routes and catching lots of passes. He bristles at the suggestion the Browns don't have a good passing game and that the club, whose last winning season came in 2007, can't contend after posting a 7-9 mark a year ago.

"Last year was a great foundation year," Hartline said. "We're done with the foundation and we've moved on from that and (want to) compete for division titles. Again, that's our goal."

Hartline has flirted with playoff contention most of his career, winning six to eight games in every season since turning pro in 2009. The Browns, meanwhile, needed their best season in eight years just reach mediocrity, but Hartline sees potential here. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder also feeds off detractors.

It's been that way dating to his years with the Buckeyes.

Some thought he made a mistake forgoing his senior season and declaring for the draft. The Dolphins chose him in the fourth round, however, and he posted back-to-back 70-plus catch seasons in 2012-13.

Several factors conspired against him last season as his targets (63) and receptions (39) dipped significantly. The emergence of youngster Jarvis Landry cut into his production and as did Ryan Tannehill's inability to connect with speedy Mike Wallace on deep balls. Wallace began running more intermediate patterns, muscling into what Hartline does best.

The veteran admitted it was a "little troubling" not knowing what his future held after the Dolphins released him. Other teams were interested, including the Patriots, but his greatest impact can be made with the Browns. Along with Andrew Hawkins, Hartline gives their young receivers a model route runner who knows only one speed in practice.

"I just prepare every day like it's a game and if the quarterback is willing to give me an opportunity and the play gives me the opportunity than it's my job to make the play," he explained. "That's how I go about things."

His hustle and commitment have not been lost on team leaders.

"I've enjoyed having Brian," left tackle Joe Thomas said. "Anytime you bring a kid that's from Ohio that grew up a Browns fan, I think they've got a little bit more urgency of turning this thing around. You could see how important it is to Brian from the first day that he got here."

Hartline doesn't back away from the homecoming angle, but he's got news for friends looking for hookups to choice seats to Thursday's exhibition game against the Redskins.

"Anyone who knows me knows I'm not paying for one ticket," said the receiver who signed a team-friendly two-year, $6 million deal. "If you're my mom you're lucky to get a ticket."

OK, that's an exaggeration from a budding entrepreneur who's careful with his money and has worked behind the register of convenient stores he owns.

Hartline, though, takes a serious approach to every endeavor. He's focused on his craft and his objectives in Cleveland.

"Everyone has to be able to produce, everyone has to do their part or we're looking at another 8-8, 7-9 year," he said. "The talent is here to go .500. We don't want to be .500."

Brian seems to be doing everything we'd thought. No flash but crisp route running and from what I hear, he's catching everything being thrown his direction.

He's come as advertised. I loved listening to his full presser, this dude is all business. I had him on the lower end of our WR Corp, but outside of Taylor... he's the WR you hear most about.

Thinking he's going to be a step or level better than Miles Austin was for us last year.

Absolutely, mac. Perhaps Mack could be induced to stay and be an integral part of this...

I don't think Hartline is a great player, but I think he is a pretty good player. I approve of this move by Farmer. I think it was a good move and he can help us.

Browns Mailbag: Are the Browns deeper at WR than initially believed?
Wednesday feels a little like Saturday here at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility.

The Browns went through a closed walk-through this morning and are gearing up for Thursday’s preseason opener against the Washington Redskins.

Us? We’re still plugging along like we’ve been since the start of training camp because we know the questions never stop at this time of year.

Does the wide receiver position look stronger than originally thought to be? -- Marcus W., McDermott

On the day before the start of training camp, Brian Hartline made headlines when he gave a particularly strong answer to a question about the doubts surrounding Cleveland’s wide receivers. He strongly defended the group, which bulked up its veteran presence with him and Dwayne Bowe, and foreshadowed what’s transpired through the first 11 days of training camp.

“The receiving corps, I think, is going to be a tough decision because we have so many guys that can play so many things,” Hartline said in July. “A lot of it is going to come down to who is going to play special teams and who is not. That is going to be a big decision that I am glad that I don’t have to make.”

Led by Hartline, who has been terrific during training camp, the Browns wide receivers have definitely shown off their strength in numbers. Even without Bowe, who is nursing a hamstring injury, the group has been regularly making plays against a Browns secondary dotted with four Pro Bowl players. Andrew Hawkins has been moved all around the field, Taylor Gabriel showed off his speed with a recent deep catch against Joe Haden and a number of unheralded players have made their case for one of the final roster spots. Josh Lenz, in particular, has made a number of plays whenever he gets the opportunity. During a red-zone drill at the end of Tuesday’s practice, Lenz, who caught a touchdown at Friday’s Orange and Brown scrimmage, got in the end zone three times. Darius Jennings and Shane Wynn have also flashed at times while fourth-round pick Vince Mayle has steadily improved after a slow start to training camp. Terrelle Pryor, who has been out for a week with a hamstring injury, also carries significant intrigue and Marlon Moore is one of the best all-around special teams players on the team.

So, yes, it’s a crowded group even after the respective releases of Kevin Cone and Rodney Smith. This is among the good problems the Browns have to address over the next four weeks. Preseason performance will be a vital determining factor.

How many WRs will the Browns keep on the roster once the final cuts are made? - Ivan A.

That’s a tough one because every year is different. Last year, the Browns kept five heading into the season opener but knew they’d be getting Moore back for Week 2. So the safe guess is six, but Browns coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer have been adamant that the best 53 players will be kept and they won’t pigeonhole themselves with certain numbers for each position group.

Link

I refuse to get on the "our wide receivers don't suck" hype train.

Good for you!

I thought this was a Kevin Jones article. Does this guy work for the Browns, too?

A real reporter who is objective didn't write that...right?

Andrew Gribble also works for the Browns.

Would it.. or has it been considered him being a TE ?

IMHO Bowe, Hawkins Hartline and Gabriel all have roster spots for sure.

That leaves the following:

Benjamin-Looked much better this year, but has it been enough?

Moore- Strictly a special teams player at this point and may be a luxury we can't afford.

Mayle- Flashes brillance but has the dropsies.

Pryor- He has looked great on what little I've seen, but he can't make the team on a stationary bike.

Lenz- Camp Hero. Not really built for durability though.

Wynn- See Lenz for a description. Would prob be the smallest guy in the NFL if he made it.

Jennings- I haven't seen enough to form an opinion on him.

The average NFL roster keeps 6 guys. We only kept 5 last year but may keep up to 7. We might stash 1 or 2 on the practice squad as well.

What does everyone else think so far. Who are the keepers?

My opinion two weeks ago:

Bowe
Hartline
Hawkins
Gabriel
Benjamin
Pryor


My opinion as of right now:

Bowe (although I wish we could cut him, but the guarantees won't allow)
Hartline
Hawkins
Gabriel
Benjamin
Wynn

PS - Jennings or Lenz (if allowed)

Bowe
Hartline
Hawkins
Gabriel
Benjamin
Mayle

Pryor (but probably only if he's the 3rd QB too)

In simply cannot see us keeping 4 or 5 WR who are significantly shorter than 6'. Hawkins, Gabriel, and Benjamin are all very short receivers. They are also all very capable. However, both Farmer and Pettine have expressed a desire to get bigger on the outside. Mayle does that .... and he is a guy who some opined might need a year to fully develop ..... so I cannot see the team risking losing him.

Lenz is 6' but only 195 lbs.

Why would you cut Bowe? Before the hamstring, he was catching everything coming his way. IMO that is about as stupid as cutting Benjamin, who at this point looks to be our best deep threat.

Benjamin is 6' he is just thin.

5 foot 10 inch. and thin.

IMO it's head to head against Benji and Moore in addition to locked spots you mentioned, DeputyDawg.

They both offer special team, Moore is one of the better gunners I've seen here and Travis could get more confidence in his leg, less fear in his head - he could be a speedy returner and they both can play WR.

Jennings and Wynn, didn't know too much about them and still don't. As of now, it don't look like Pryor will be able to showcase his skillset, if any, at WR. Who knows about him. I think Lenz is in the mix, maybe Mayle too.

As the battle for the #2 cornerback gets less and less, and less interesting... this WR battle intensifies and remains a big question mark.

The same reason we cut Burleson last year. I'm not saying we will cut him because we can't, but an old WR who has hamstring issues and had 0 TDs last year anyways is not a good thing IMO. Would there be much difference production wise between Bowe and someone else in his spot? I'd actually say no.

I think we keep six.

Bowe, Hartline, Hawkins, Gabriel, Benjamin, Moore.

Try and sneak Mayle and Wynn on to the practice squad. I would also call the Panthers and see what they have to offer for one of our guys.

Bowe to the Panthers? Any chance? Probably not ... maybe Hawkins?