I was greatly encouraged by Tony Grossi articles (and only his) mentioning Carlton Mitchell, and suggesting that he was looking pretty good.
Grossi is not my favorite analyst, but aint bad, niether. I was bothered by his harsh analyses of Colt McCoy (arm strength), but have to admit now that some of that was right...although he still never considers Montana, Sipe, Pennington, Ryan, Nelson, etc. etc. etc.
Anyway, the Mitchell references were encouraging to me. Grossi does look a little deeper than most analysts, and does get on the sidelines AMAP. It's easy to look at stats and count catches. I believe that Grossi is looking for how often he gets OPEN, regardless of whether or not a pass comes his way.
I try not to let my emotions color my own analysis, but in view of Mitchell's potential and the fact that he's been gestating for two NFL seasons, Grossi's positive mentions carry weight with me.
Now, IF IF IF Mitchell emerges (predictably/on schedule) as 3/4 the WR he was projected to be, he can claim the WR slot opposite Gregg Little.
This would be scary for enema defenses, as Mitchell is a big target and a deep threat. In reality, he's no faster than Little, but has a little more reach. If IF IF Little predictably emerges in his second season as a true number one reciever, these two guys could really be formidable together.
In reality, Little can make sharper cuts and get better separation. He can break more tackles, and be the primary target--assuming he can CATCH THE DAMN BALL. In THIS WEST COAST system, he defaults to the X reciever slot.
Mitchell is more of a "glider"; not as quick, nor with the running back elusiveness or strength of Little. But he is a little taller, and can use his mass and reach as well or better to make catches even when covered. If IF IF Mitchell emerges, in this offense featuring scary tight ends and Richardson he will NEVER be double-covered.
Here, the Browns would (again: in reality) feature TWO starting big-play wide recievers. Two big guys who overpower and out-reach cornerbacks, and can go to the house at any time.
Then there's that Weeden favorite undrafted Josh Cooper. Small and slow, but sure-handed and (at least in camp) always open. I wouldn't even count this guy out for making a surprise impact in this (listen carefully) WEST COAST timing offense.
Travis Benjamin will be one of the fastest players in the NFL. Came from Miami U.
Reports of his bad routes are being misunderstood: He makes sharp, sudden cuts, and can separate, but (big surprise coming), he misreads coverages and zigs when he's supposed to zag.
He's a R O O K I E DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D? Give him a couple weeks, for cryin' out loud! This waterbug might be awesome! (or not: so stipulated shut up Yoda).
Sticking with people who catch passes (and again let's drop labels), how 'bout Cameron Jordan? Why do Browns fans discard middle-round rookies when they don't make instant impacts?
His college football history was even more limitted than Little's. Little switched positions, then got suspended. Cameron was a highschool wide reciever and basketball player who went to college on a basketball scholarship. He played some at wide reciever, and was switched to tight end after that. He was very raw.
Heckert and company knew he needed a lot of work, and the Browns were neck-deep in tight ends. He was never intended to get more than a little taste in his inaugural season, but this is year two.
He's bigger and stronger, and might well challenge for time in Watson's place as an in-line tight end (who can block defensive ends and stuff).
Do you understand that the main reason Moore didn't play much last season is because Smith and Watson were needed next to the right tackle to help block? That's also why Watson wasn't very productive--he was pass-blocking.
Cameron, like Watson, has the potential to play both conventional and wing-tight end, and if he's made enough progress, could blow up this season! Especially since RT Mitchell Schwartze won't need help!
Richardson (duh). Weeden probably, mainly because he can attack everywhere. We'll leave them out of this.
If I were telling you that all four of these recievers would emerge as stars this season, it would be fair to call me a homer, dreamer, or moron, as some of you will anyway.
But I'm telling you that it's likely that all of them will improve at least a little, and two (half) of them will be at least above average. That's just kindergarten statistical analysis.
Things are looking up. Deal with it.
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