Throughout the offseason, Hue Jackson has insisted there is no quarterback competition in Cleveland. Even before the Browns’ No. 1 overall pick became known, the third-year head coach said Tyrod Taylor will be his starter. And Jackson wants that to be the case for the duration of this season. As for why the Browns were steadfast with Taylor as their starter despite the team going 0-16 last season: the franchise wants to make this year about winning games rather than developing a rookie quarterback at any cost, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes. Mayfield’s progressing quickly, in Cabot’s view, and showing the kind of arm talent that had Browns execs and then-consultant Scot McCloughan convinced going into the draft he could turn the franchise around. Another argument could be made that the Browns’ status as a non-contender, talent added this offseason notwithstanding, should prompt them to get Mayfield some reps early this season. Cabot does believe the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner will play this year, but for now, it doesn’t look like the Oklahoma product will be fast-tracked into the lineup like 2017 first-rounders Mitch Trubisky or Deshaun Watson were with their respective teams.
Here’s the latest from northeast Ohio:
- One of the players Taylor will be targeting has enjoyed a strong offseason. Jackson expects David Njoku to make a major leap in his second season. “I expect to see a huge jump,” Jackson said, via Patrick Maks of ClevelandBrowns.com. “He’s very athletic. He can catch and run. He’s going to be one of our playmakers.” Njoku caught 32 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns last season, despite the Browns having probably the worst quarterback situation in the league. The Browns noticed significant improvement from the Miami alum this offseason, and QBs coach Greg Seamon said the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher should be a “dominant receiver in the red zone.”
- Though the Browns brought in Antonio Callaway and Damion Ratley in this year’s draft, and added Jarvis Landry via trade, there could be a spot for Jeff Janis on the 53-man roster. Cabot notes Janis has some fans in Cleveland’s new-look front office, given that he was a Packers draft pick when Eliot Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith were part of Green Bay’s operation, and believes that will help his case. Janis may well be competing against Sashi Brown-era draftees Rashard Higgins and Ricardo Louis. Cabot notes Higgins has probably had the better offseason of the two. Former first-rounder Corey Coleman is not a lock to be part of this year’s team, either, so Janis — a former seventh-round pick with 17 career catches who is at the same time well known well because of his heroics against the Cardinals in a divisional playoff game — could have an avenue to sneak onto the roster.
- Josh Cribbs is serving as a Browns intern coach this summer, and Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer reports the former star return man interviewed to be the team’s assistant special teams coach this offseason. That job, however, went to Sam Shade. This will be Shade’s first season as an NFL assistant. However, after the Browns chose Shade over Cribbs, new special teams coordinator Amos Jones was impressed enough with Cribbs to bring him on board as an intern, per Pluto.
Congrats to Cribbs, a guy that made himself into a great special teamer. He should’ve started his coaching career down the road at his alma mater (Kent State) to get some official experience on his resume.
When will you stop paying attention to Mary Kay? That lady is clueless.
I thought Mary Kay was a makeup thing. You know. Some frustrated salesperson writing sports blogs for the girls to have some different kind of reading material at the local salon while getting a facial makeover.
Probably when people actually start paying attention to you…..
Corey Coleman is a better WR than Higgins, Janis, Louis and the rookies they drafted. I find this offseason beat down of Coleman boarderline offensive to fan’s intelligence. Coleman has had issues, no doubt, but all this talk about him not making the roster is stupid. If he needs a fresh start (who doesn’t after being under Hue Jackson for 2 years?) he can be traded for a 4th or 5th round pick. Maybe even a 3rd round pick depending on the team.
With his injury history, I’d guess a 6th or 7th, possibly conditional, are more likely than a 4th or 5th, let alone the “what the hell are you smoking?” 3rd rounder idea. But otherwise, I think you’re right about the Coleman must go animus.
The other option is a trade for a fellow draft bust needing a change of scenery. Shaq Lawson, perhaps?
Hey MLBTR, do you ever actually enforce your commenting policy?
If they did you’d be gone
And I rest my case.
smh…..
Me too