Within the past two decades or so, the wide receiver position has become increasingly important. Even the best quarterbacks, like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, have needed great weapons to succeed. During their perfect season, Tom Brady had Randy Moss at his disposal. Throughout most of his career, Peyton Manning had either Marvin Harrison or Demaryius Thomas to throw to. With these examples, it goes without saying that behind nearly every great quarterback is a great receiver. A go-to receiver is necessary for today’s offenses. That is precisely why the Browns drafted Corey Coleman last year. He must step up in 2017.
Corey Coleman Must Step Up In 2017
He Has The Skills
While at Baylor, Coleman was the focal point of the nation’s top offense. Sure, he went to a Big XII school known for its gimmicky offense. However, he shined even beyond said offense and made quite a name for himself. In his final college year, Coleman caught 74 passes for an eye-popping 1,363 yards. Coming into the draft, he was one of the top receivers in the class. So, those numbers are great, but what does Coleman bring physically? Well, in the words of Chris Berman, “fast, right fellas?” And fast he is.
At the 2016 NFL Combine, Coleman ran a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash. Standing at about 5’11, that’s an incredible time for a receiver like himself. While he wasn’t the biggest receiver in the class (that honor could go to Laquon Treadwell), he doesn’t need to be. Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown stands at 5’10 and is often considered the best receiver in the NFL. So while Coleman doesn’t have the size, he has incredible speed to get separation from defenders. Additionally, he can jump out of the building and win 50/50 balls against any defender.
Help Your Quarterback
Everything about the National Football League tells you that the quarterback is the be all, end all. However, what if your quarterback is below average? Thus is the current situation of the Cleveland Browns. Should the Browns choose to roll with Cody Kessler for the future, he is going to need some serious help. Revamping the offensive line was a great start, but Kessler needs some toys to play with. That’s where Corey Coleman comes in.
Coleman is, again, not the biggest receiver in the world. Additionally, Cody Kessler doesn’t have the biggest arm in the world. However, that does not mean that the two cannot work in harmony. The thing about Cody Kessler is that he is frighteningly accurate. Kessler set a USC completion record in college, and his time in the NFL has proved that that wasn’t a fluke. If we’re going to keep going with this logic, it essentially means that Kessler can put the ball in places where only Coleman can get it. Corey Coleman is a “let me go up and get it” type of receiver, and Cody Kessler will be thankful for that.
Franchise Receiver?
Usually when football fans talk about a “franchise” player, they’re talking about a quarterback. Maybe a defensive end, if the player is really good. But Corey Coleman has the potential to be something that fans don’t see very often; a franchise receiver. If Coleman can reach his full potential, he will no doubt be a go-to option for the Dawg Pound. Everything about him screams potential, and defenses should want to cry when they see Coleman. So, why didn’t they last year? Well, simply because Coleman spent part of the year with injuries. But with a fully healthy year coming up in 2017, Coleman should be ready to bring the Browns up from the depths.
Conclusion
Corey Coleman has tremendous potential, and it is up to him to capitalize on it. Although Hue Jackson is an offensive wizard, he does not control what is on the field; that’s Coleman’s job. In the absence of Terrelle Pryor, Corey Coleman will need to step up this coming season. The Cleveland Browns desperately need a fail-safe for Cody Kessler, and Coleman can be that. Again, Hue Jackson is an offensive mastermind. He can make these things happen, and Corey Coleman should be the focal point. By the end of next season, he should be a top-flight receiver ready to spread his wings even further. He just has to want to step up and bring life back to the Dawg Pound.
