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People are making a huge stank over other Tight-End situations in the AFC North such as Dennis Pitta for the Baltimore Ravens being placed on the PUP; Jermaine Gresham leaving the Cincinnati Bengals for the Arizona Cardinals or even how Heath Miller is the most experienced TE in the AFC North. But lets talk about Cleveland’s situation.
During the offseason, former Cleveland Brown, Jordan Cameron cashed in on a 15 million dollar deal with the Miami Dolphins, leaving the Browns with a huge hole to fill at the position. I am hoping they felt some confidence with the current depth at the position because they failed to check that box off early in the NFL draft.
They did manage to pick up a “tweener”, Malcolm Johnson in the sixth round but let’s be real here, this guy wasn’t even announced as a TE when he was selected. Cleveland even has him listed as an FB. Johnson will be used more like the Ravens use Kyle Juszczyk, as an underneath H-back who primarily catches play-action screen passes. Even ClevelandBrowns.com’s Andrew Gribble confirms Johnson’s use in this manner when he said:
DeFilippo comes from an Oakland offense that regularly used a fullback, as Marcel Reece landed in the Pro Bowl this past year after catching 37 passes for 265 yards
With that said, lets take a look at the rest of the lineup for the Browns.
# Name Ht W Age Exp School
82 Barnidge, Gary 6-6 250 29 8 Louisville
49 Bibbs, E.J. 6-2 258 23 R Iowa State
81 Dray, Jim 6-5 255 28 6 Stanford
89 Haplea, Kevin 6-3 249 23 R Florida State
84 Housler, Rob 6-5 250 27 5 Florida Atlantic
Barnidge is primarily a blocking TE but has the most experience of the group. Rob Housler is the only recognizable name of the bunch and even he put out dismal numbers with the Arizona Cardinals. With the receiving corps for the browns only bringing in 12 combined TDs in 2014, this group is in serious trouble if someone doesn’t step up.
I normally put the Couch’s change on Florida State but Kevin Haplea’s 2 career TDs in college isn’t anything to write home to Mom about. However, something had to catch Cleveland’s eye in order to bring this young man into camp. Hopefully they see something the rest of the league doesn’t.
Today the Couch’s change is on Iowa State’s E.J. Bibbs to win the starting TE job in Cleveland. I watched the tape on this guy and saw a pure football player. He has great agility, makes one handed catches and is not scared to get the wind knocked out of him to make a play. This John Mackey award semifinalist racked up 84 receptions for 844-yards and 10-TDs during his collegiate tenure. With the competition wide open at the position, it is easy to root for this former Cardinal. Speed may be an issue for him, but what can you expect from a 6-2, 258 pounder? For that exact reason I see Bibbs as a 3-down player. His size makes him a great option in the run game. I can see Terrance West breaking for huge runs with this guy leading the way.
It’s anyone’s job to win and Browns’ fans will be excited to see who comes out on top, even if the rest of the league could care less.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.