There is no other position group quite like the Cleveland Browns' wide receivers. This competition should be named the Grand Canyon – it's that wide open.
Earlier this week my colleague Vic Carucci penned this column, analyzing the impact Nate Burleson, Miles Austin, Andrew Hawkins and Anthony Armstrong could have on the offense. This eclectic quartet of newcomers each carry a variety of traits to the field and locker room.
Burleson brings route running and an influential spirit; Austin is a professional and has size; Hawkins is slippery and a deep threat; Armstrong is a master of the playbook and lengthy.
In the shuffle of all the fresh faces, we all may have forgotten about a familiar one: Travis Benjamin. On Thursday, the University of Miami alum tweeted this:
First practice back was a success thank god for it all #BrownsCamp14 — Travis Benjamin (@TravisBenjamin3) July 24, 2014
For a range of reasons, a healthy Travis Benjamin is another thought-provoking piece to this puzzle.
Because of all the accolades and jaw dropping moments Josh Gordon produced during the 2013 season, some of the big plays from Benjamin have flown under the radar. He was only able to haul in five passes before his ACL injury, but those receptions went for 105 yards – good for 21 yards a catch. Benjamin can fly.
In terms of potential, Benjamin's ceiling is higher than you think. He's only 24 years old. And now he'll be given the chance to provide evidence in practice that he's more than just a reliable return man. Kyle Shanahan will be looking for home run hitters in his offense to stretch the field.
Watch some of these highlights to refresh your memory on how impactful Benjamin could be.
