The Cleveland Browns have high expectations this season but perhaps no position group has higher hopes in 2020 than wide receiver.
This is due to two players: Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Despite a disappointing 2019, the duo is often listed as one of the best at the WR position in the NFL.
Bleacher Report recently chose Beckham-Landry as the second-best duo in the league and shared this gem:
Since the two came into the league in 2014, Beckham ranks fourth among qualified players with 86.8 receiving yards per game, while Landry ranks fourth with 564 receptions.
Let’s explore the Browns wide receiver depth chart top-to-bottom as the team prepares to take the practice field in Berea.
Odell Beckham Jr.
2019 Season: 74 receptions / 1,035 receiving yards / 4 receiving TD
Best Season: (2015) 96 receptions / 1,450 receiving yards / 13 receiving TD
2020 ESPN Projection: 72 receptions / 1,010 receiving yards / 7 receiving TD
Madden Rating: 91 (3rd on Browns)
There is no doubt Odell and the Browns offense are coming off a forgettable season.
OBJ’s first season in Cleveland, away from the bright lights of New York City, began just fine.
In his first three games in a Browns uniform, Beckham averaged 6 catches and 96 receiving yards per game.
Odell Beckham Jr. torching the Jets for an 89-yard TD in his MetLife return 🔥 pic.twitter.com/K8TEspwSmN
— Blue Wire Podcasts (@bluewirepods) September 17, 2019
But any plan, strategy and cohesiveness dissipated as the Browns lost four of their next five and lost their head coach Freddie Kitchens before the season was done.
Odell Beckham Jr. catchable target percentage:
2014-2018: 64.9%
2019: 59.7% pic.twitter.com/gfmp5YYrPU— PFF (@PFF) May 14, 2020
New Opportunity In 2020
Many factors point to a brighter season ahead for OBJ.
First, new Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has experience getting the ball to star receivers.
Stefanski coached Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen to Pro Bowl seasons in Minnesota.
Beckham says he has studied both players over the years, telling Complex Sports:
“Just seeing what (Stefanski) did with the Minnesota Vikings for a long time with Thielen and Diggs. These are people who I’ve watched closely on their film, and just seeing the things that he did and meeting him and seeing where his mind’s at for Jarvis and myself of how this will all work out, I have a good feeling about it, you know.”
We also know Odell has surrounded himself with greatness off the field during the covid-19 pandemic.
Gone are the days of the New York Giants Party Boat and in are the days of OBJ grinding with Cam Newton.
Beckham posted several pictures and videos working out with Newton before the QB signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.
WATCH: NFL star Cam Newton works out with Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in latest workout video. https://t.co/OfvgmF7o1M pic.twitter.com/123cfuKzDi
— 247Sports (@247Sports) June 13, 2020
It’s been a mature offseason for the 27-year-old.
And it’s been a healthy one too.
Beckham had offseason surgery to repair his hip and groin, which many credit as a factor for his lack of explosiveness at times last season.
Heading into training camp, Beckham says:
“I would honestly say this is probably going to be one of my best seasons — bigger, stronger, faster.”
Browns fans can’t wait to see that Beckham making plays this year.
