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State of the Browns: The Receiving Corps

Editor's note: No Logo Needed is addressing the different areas of the Browns offense, defense and special teams by looking back on the 2009 season and looking ahead to the 2010 offseason and beyond. Areas that have already been address are running backs, offensive line and quarterbacks.

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

In 2009, the Cleveland Browns and the wide receiver position were synonymous. It began in March when Browns wide receive Donte Stallworth stuck and killed a pedestrian in Miami, Fla.

A month later at the NFL Draft, the Browns selected two wide receivers in the second round.

Finally, Braylon Edwards finished his career in Cleveland with a punch, literally. On Oct. 5, Edwards punched a friend of LeBron James at a Cleveland night club and was traded two days later to the New York Jets.

At tight end, Kellen Winslow, the Browns biggest playmaking tight end since Ozzie Newsome, was traded on Feb. 27 and the Browns signed Robert Royal as his replacement.

Yeah, it was that kind of year for the Browns receiving corps.

2009 Roster

Josh Cribbs - C+
OK, I know what you're thinking, "Cribbs had an excellent season, why such an average grade?!" Looking at Cribbs as simply a wide receiver, it's hard to give him more than an average grade. Watching Cribbs in the wide receiver position just felt awkward. He caught 20 balls for 135 yards and a touchdown, but rarely was he targeted in the passing game.

Most often, Cribbs role as a wide receiver came on a screen. The idea was to get him the ball out in space. Getting Cribbs the ball worked better when he was in the Flash package or on special teams.

It's unsure if being a wide receiver will be Cribbs' final position.

Mike Furrey - C
Wes Welker he is not. In fact, Furrey turned out to be more Rodney Harrison than Wes Welker. Furrey actually STARTED in the Browns secondary. As far as an actual receiver, Furrey caught 23 balls for 170 yards. He's a dependable player, but he didn't come close to his 2006 season where he caught 98 balls for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns for Detroit.

Mohamed Massaquoi - B-
Massaquoi showed potential in 2009. No, not to be a No. 1 receiver, but to be a very good No. 2. He finished with 34 catches for 624 yards and three touchdowns and his breakout game came in the first meeting with Cincinnati. In the overtime loss to the Bengals, Massaquoi finished with 148 yards on eight receptions. Two days later, the Browns traded Edwards and Massaquoi became the Browns No. 1 receiver.

He never duplicated the week three performance, but performed well above average and became a dependable target on the rare occasions the Browns passed later in the season.

Brian Robiskie - D
Some of the frustration directed toward Robiskie was also on Mangini. How can you take a guy 36th overall and not have him contribute? Early in the second round players are still available who can make a difference right away.

Robiskie? He played in five games. He was a healthy scratch in many others. Robiskie was supposed to be a polished receiver and NFL ready. Was it his mid-week worth ethic? Was he really that far behind? Was he not that good? We couldn't get answers.

All we knew was the Browns passed on some potential playmakers at pick No. 36 for a receiver who was not on the field.

When he did appear, Robiskie had seven catches for 106 yards and no touchdowns.

Syndric Steptoe - INC
He still has a cool name, but a preseason torn labium (shoulder) ended Steptoe's 2009 campaign. Steptoe suffered the injury in practice. The Browns were outside in the rain. According to his agent Jerome Stanely, the players thought practice would be a walk-through, instead it was full-speed.

The Steptoe injury came two months after Mangini's rookie bus ride trip to Connecticut and so began the cavalcade of negative press the Browns head coach would receive.

Chansi Stuckey - C
Stuckey came to Cleveland in the trade with Braylon Edwards. In his first game with the Browns, Stuckey dropped a ball. In eight games with the Browns, Stuckey caught 19 balls for 198 yards and a touchdown. He was a non-factor along with the rest of the Browns receiving corps especially when Jerome Harrison broke out.

Still, that drop was bothersome.

Donte Stallworth - F
Dude was on house arrest for manslaughter. The Browns have made no formal plans on what to do with him if and when his suspension is lifted by the NFL.

Greg Estandia- D
The Browns claimed Estandia off waivers on Tuesday, Sept. 22. He's 6-foot-8, 266 pounds and more of a sixth offensive lineman. He was seen on the field that Sunday, but appeared in only four games with the Browns.

Michael Gaines - D
Another waiver claim, Gaines served in the same capacity as Estandia (sixth offensive lineman). Yet, Gains did catch a touchdown pass in the 38-37 loss to the Lions.

Steve Heiden - INC
Following the Browns Monday Night loss to Baltimore 16-0, Heiden was placed on IR. He had 10 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown and was the only offensive tight end the Browns had on their roster entering the season.

Evan Moore - B
On Dec. 5, Moore was promoted from the Browns practice squad. The 6-6, 247-pound second year player from Stanford caught a highlight making pass in the Thursday night win over the Steelers. In five games, Moore caught 12 passes for 158 yards. He became a reliable target especially for Brady Quinn.

Robert Royal - C
Royal was brought to Cleveland to be that sixth offensive lineman. Inexplicably, the Browns quarterbacks targeted him early in the season. In six games, he caught 11 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.

2009 Summary

It was an inconsistent position, but a position that changed outlook in 2009. The Browns went from having an offensive, play-making tight end who hated to block, to mostly tight ends who served as a sixth offensive lineman. Evan Moore was the lone bright spot.

Off-Season Goal

This will be an interesting position to watch. If it was up to Mangini, wide receivers and tight ends would be more for blocking than pass receiving. But Mangini isn't the only guy in charge. How much influence will Mike Holmgren have may show itself in personnel in these position.

The Browns are set with role players when it comes to tight end and wide receiver. Nabbing a playmaking wide receiver or someone who is a true No. 1 may help the Browns and whatever offense they plan to run.

Best Case Scenario

Thy name is Vincent. Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson is a free agent. The five-year pro had his best season in 2009 catching 68 passes for 1,167 and nine touchdowns. If he doesn't command too much money, he would become the Browns No. 1 receiver paired with Massaquoi at No. 2 while Robiskie, Stuckey and Cribbs round out the corps.

And please, no more drafting rookie wide receivers.

January 22, 2010 at 8:34 AM

Comments

Imaging what could have been:

2009 Draft first pick: Orakpo!! OLB

2009 second pick: Maualuga ILB

!!!!! Does anyone realize this or is it just me??

Or does it really even matter know that no one is held accountable for this bone-head decision(s)...??

January 22, 2010 at 10:17 AM by sipe

The CZAR watches and listens intently but remains silent.

What is the CZAR thinking?

Long live the CZAR!

January 22, 2010 at 10:44 AM by frederick j blacknight

Hey sipe:

Make sure you are in gear before you step on the accelerator. Other wise you will blow a head gasket !!!

Imagine what WILL be next year with future Pro-Bowl Mack at center, Mass WR and Roth OLB PLUS about $60 MILLION saved for FA's (Clady anyone?)

January 22, 2010 at 11:12 AM by hanknaples

How can you give Heiden and Steptoe an INC. when they played in games but give Stallworth an F even though he didn't play a down.

January 22, 2010 at 2:19 PM by bulldawg29

like the guy said, dude is on house arrest for manslaughter. that gets an F in my book at least.

January 22, 2010 at 2:41 PM by randomBrownsFan

If the receivers been more of a factor, imagine how much more of an impact Evan Moore would have had.

January 22, 2010 at 11:00 AM by pyelor

These rankings are terrible to say the least. Massaquoi receives a "B-" while Evan Moore cruises to a "B"? Mass was fairly consistent all year and had a shot at 1,000 yards before Jerome Harrison decided to go on a solo stampede the last four games. Also, since when is less than 200 yards in a season above average? Tight end or not this isn't a good receiving total season unless you're a fullback. Granted he did not play an entire season, but the grade was still too high. Does he have potential? Of course. Is he the next Jason Witten? Probably not. Next up this Vincent Jackson "scenario" is incorrectly labeled. "Dream fantasy player addition" is more accurate. First, I've read nothing about Jackson's pending free agency. Second, (let's set the scenario since that's the word of choice here) if you're Vincent Jackson coming off a good season with a playoff team in sunny southern California, does Cleveland even cross your mind? No, not in this decade or the last. And for good measure you insultingly put "if he doesn't cost too much" as if any top name WR is coming to Cleveland at a bargain price because he wants to be around when the Browns right their ship. Lastly, do some research on Mangini before you say what he wants or does not want. He does indeed like tight ends that can catch. Dustin Keller was drafted in the first round to be his pass catching tight end in New York.

January 22, 2010 at 1:02 PM by Donny

If Mangini wants pass-catching tight ends why did he sign Robert Royal? Or Greg Estandia? Michael Gains? Royal dropped passes. Gains and Estandia were not looked upon as weapons in the "passing" game. If he is so in love with pass catching TEs, why ship Kellen Winslow?

Regarding Jackson: The old and cliched "this is Cleveland" argument? These are big boys, well paid big boys, who will play where they are paid and felt respected.

"If he doesn't cost too much" does take into account that you are going to have to pay him. Do you want to break the bank on a WR? No, but if the price is fair for both parties (re: doesn't cost too much) go for it.

Speaking of research, Vincent Jackson is the top free agent listed on Scout.com. You're telling me a guy with his size and his numbers would not be a legitimate option for the Browns No. 1 receiver?

Evan Moore was a pleasant surprise who surpassed everyone's expectations and thus he received a B.

Massaquoi was a fine, fine player, but a B- for a second-round player who was solid, but not incredible for the Browns is just. Fairly consistent? What does that even mean. His numbers were OK, but too many games were he was non-existent, especially after he became the Browns' No. 1 receiver once Braylon was traded.

January 22, 2010 at 2:11 PM by Don_NoLogoNeeded.com

BROWNS 2010 Checklist

1. Get a new O.C.
2. Put Rubin at NT, Robaire and (Peters) at DE. OLB's Wimbley and Roth, ILB's D'Qwell and (McClain).
3. Free agency- WR (Owens, or Brandon Marshall). We could trade Quinn, and Williams for Marshall straight up. QB (McNabb, trade Rogers and DA with a 2011 compensatory pick.) He's 33, he won't be as expensive as people think.
4. Draft-1st round ILB McClain, ALA.
2nd round CB Arenas, ALA.
3rd round RT Sam Young, ND and SS Kam Chancellor, VT.
4th Round LG John Jerry, MISS.
5th round DE Corey Peters, KEN and CB Brian Jackson, OK and FS Kurt Coleman, OSU.
6th round RG Brandon Carter, Texas Tech and QB Ryan Perrilloux, JAX.
7th round RB Blount, ORE.
5. Pay Josh Cribbs!!!! Re-sign D'Qwell Jackson, Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Vickers, Evan Moore and Matt Roth.

January 22, 2010 at 3:28 PM by Tim

The Browns need to go after Anquan Boldin VERRRY hard, verrry soon into this offseason. Having checked the list of UFA's, asied from Vin Jackson (who I can't see leaving San Diego), there just isn't much in the way of true #1 WR talent out there (and don't give me the 'what about Miles Austin' question. Really? Miles Austin? Just not proven enuff in my eyes, to this point.)
No, the Browns really need a true #1 receiver and it is going to have to come via trade. Boldin makes sense, and the Ravens are going to come knocking on Arizona's door, too, so the Browns with their advantage in having lots of draft picks, need to get serious and make this happen. Is what I believe, but I've been gone a while now, maybe it is just me but I am not seeing Massaquoi as a real #1 yet, but yea, a solid potential #2 WR for the Browns, who will also need to be sure they can continue developing Evan Moore, Robiskie and Stuckey, or else the depth, even with Boldin, will be an issue. Go Browns~! I'm always watching...

January 22, 2010 at 3:34 PM by BlantonC

Back at you Don...
The Robert Royal signing I will concede wasn't a very good one, and I am aware he is not known as a catching tight end. However, the expectations when he was signed were to shore up the run blocking and catch the occasional pass. Obviously the idea didn't pan out. In Mangini's defense (I'm typing this via blackberry so I cannot do the research on the particulars) I don't believe that any other team added a viable tight end receiving threat last off season either (except Tampa). This probably means that there weren’t any available. So, you cannot fault Mangini for making the decision he did with the talent available. As for why he shipped Kellen down the coast, it had nothing to do with his on the field capabilities and more to do with his mouth and knee issues. Ask yourself this: if Kellen was closer to a model citizen and his knee issues were of less severe, is he still a Brown? Yes, More than likely. I personally hated to see him go, but having a better understanding of Magini now I know he wouldn't have fit.

I'm not aiming to use a cliché' with the "this is Cleveland" argument. Simply laying out the scenario. I do agree that players will sign where they are paid and feel respected. Vincent Jackson coming to Cleveland seems to be a reach though. In my opinion the price will come nowhere near reasonable. With his age, skill set, and track record he will probably command over $45m over the life of a contract this offseason. This could be extremely off as I am no agent, nor do I know what the FA climate will be like this year. Anything over $30m for a WR at this stage of our building process would be a waste. I have never bought in hugely to the idea of a "No. 1 WR". There are only so many Randy Moss' and Steve Smiths out there. Just put 4 guys that can run good routes and catch the ball out there because when your No. 1 gets shut down, then what?

I also agree that Evan Moore was a pleasant surprise and hope he's around for next year. Where I still disagree is his grade. A "B" grade for any receiver on an offense that put up 2200 passing yards in a season (unless he put up 1,000) is akin to allowing a GED class valedictorian into Stanford. The best grade any individual player should receive after a (failing) 5-11 season is "C" (Cribbs excluded). You are what your record says you are. Can there be bright spots on a losing team? Absolutely. But they aren't shining bright enough if the record is what it is.

My argument for Massaquoi was simply that he had a better overall season at WR than Moore did at tight end (even given the small sample size). He too, should not be rated a "B". Oh and what I meant by "fairly consistent" was that more often than not Massaquoi stepped up when called upon.

January 22, 2010 at 9:09 PM by Donny

Might wanna fix Steptoe's injury. "Labium" is a body part, but almost assuredly not one that Steptoe possesses. Try "labrum."

January 22, 2010 at 7:00 AM by Ace

State of the Browns: The Receiving Corps

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