Brian Robiskie will be a Welcome Addition to the Browns WR Corps
A passing game requires both a QB to throw the ball and a WR to catch it. Prior to the draft, the Browns were OK in the QB department, but a trade and an auto accident depleted the receiving end of the passing game. Brian Robiskie is desperately needed by the Browns.
By Bill Smith
The TE Kellen Winslow was traded to Tampa. Donte Stallworth is suspended indefinitely by the league for his accident under the influence of alcohol in Miami that killed a pedestrian. Josh Cribbs is too valuable as a return man to use at WR. Last year, Cribbs' returns suffered because he was trying to do too much.
Then there is the case of Braylon Edwards. When QB Brady Quinn went to Dr. Andrews to check his broken finger, he should have taken Edwards with him to check the receiver's hands. Edwards, a pro bowl WR in 07, developed a serious case of the dropsies in 08. He led the league in dropped passes.
The Browns have signed the well traveled David Patten who is talented but not as dependable as he was when he was young. The Browns missed on the one ex-Jet that could have helped them the most, WR Laveranues Coles. Coles signed with the Bengals.
What Robo brings to the team is a very reliable pair of hands and the knowledge to run precise routes. Robo will become the under receiver to open up deep routes for Edwards. Robo has the ability to become the Browns equivalent of Wes Welker of the Patriots. Welker caught 111 passes last year for 1165 yards and 3 TDs with a backup QB. Robo has the ability to do the same thing for the Browns.
Robo will have to produce right out of the gate because the Browns other 2nd round pick, WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia) will take a couple of years to develop. Massaquoi has early 1st round talent but is as raw as steak tartar. I doubt that he will ever develop into a receiver that can replace Edwards which was the reason he was drafted.
Robo couldn't be in a better situation. He will have a good chance to earn a starting position in his first year. The Browns couldn't have found a WR out of college that was more ready to step in. Let's hope they both profit from the relationship.
That's what I think. Tell me what you think.
Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He is a senior writer for http://NFLDraftDog.com and edits http://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on http://www.eBooks-Library/Contemporary/Author.cfm?AuthorID=1003 and edits http://fryingpanpolitics.blog.com.