Cleveland Browns Receiving Core Ranked 30th per Pro Football Focus

The Cleveland Browns have struggled this offseason when it comes to Pro Football Focus and their rankings. The Browns offensive line was ranked 21st in the NFL, their defensive front seven was ranked last in the NFL, and today we will discuss the receiving core and how it ranked 30th in the NFL.

According to writer Gordon McGuinness on Pro Football Focus, the Cleveland Browns have a horrific receiving core and he ranked it 30th on his list. McGuinness explained his reasoning on why they are considered one of the worst in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns added PFF’s top receiver in this draft class in Baylor’s Corey Coleman. Coleman’s 3.97 yards per route run were second-best among wide receivers in this draft class, and they doubled up by adding Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins, who was third, at 3.45. There is a heavy reliance on rookies on the depth chart, but Andrew Hawkins’ 2014 season, in which he forced 11 missed tackles on 63 receptions, at least points to the potential that he can be a veteran who can make an impact. At tight end, the hope will be that Gary Barnidge can continue what he started last season. For his career, he has 1,646 receiving yards, but 1,043 came a year ago, along with nine of the 12 touchdowns he has scored to date.

The funny thing about his list was the projected starters category. He has wide receiver Marlon Moore as a projected starter for the 2016 season. Moore registered 7 receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown in 2015. He was added to the Browns roster in 2014 but didn’t play a single down.

Here is my projected Browns receiving core.

1. Corey Coleman
2. Andrew Hawkins
3. Ricardo Louis
4. Gary Barnidge

At least put a receiver that realistically can become a starter in 2016. Moore is a 28 year old veteran player that might not even make the 53-man roster. Louis has shown potential in college and hopes to become a solid receiver for the Browns.

Wide receiver Josh Gordon will become the number one receiver with the Browns if he gets reinstated by the NFL this season. Gordon met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week. He can apply for reinstatement as early as August 1st. We will keep you updated.