By Zac Jackson
This report filed July 15, 2002

ClevelandBrowns.com's Zac Jackson looks ahead to training camp and the battles for playing time and roster spots that await. Today: The Wide Receivers.

Number One

After being kept out of the endzone in 2000 and being introduced to a new coaching staff in the ensuing months, Kevin Johnson entered last year’s training camp wondering exactly where he stood.

This year, there’s no question. Fresh off a 1,097-yard, nine-touchdown 2001, Johnson is Tim Couch’s go-to-guy and the leader of the Browns’ receiving corps.

KJ turned in a career year in 2001 and enters this, the final season on his contract, looking for even bigger results. He’ll be counted on in camp to polish his skills and provide leadership for a young but talented group of receivers.

Growing Up

Let’s be honest: It’s still too early to pass judgment, good or bad, on Quincy Morgan and JaJuan Dawson. Morgan has only one season under his belt, and a pair of injuries have limited Dawson just 14 games in two years.

For both, 2002 is a crucial year.

Morgan has all the tools to be a top-level NFL receiver and he enters camp bigger, stronger, and more seasoned than he was a year ago. Dawson is smart, quick in and out of cuts, and sure-handed. Both will need to stay healthy and continue to mature for the Browns passing attack to blossom.

The New Kid

There were lots of reasons the Browns coveted Virginia Tech WR Andre’ Davis in April, but the one that stood out above all was speed. This kid can fly.

The Browns hope the fleet-footed Davis will make an immediate impact in the return game and as a deep threat for quarterback Tim Couch. Look for Davis to also get a look at the slot receiver position, where he’ll create matchup problems for safeties and make defenses respect his ability to turn reverses or screen passes into big gains.

The Veteran

Chris Sanders has seen a little of everything in his eight NFL seasons, all with the Oilers/Titans organization. He’s now in Cleveland to pass his knowledge along to the Browns’ youngsters.

He’s also here to add more speed to the receiving corps and give Couch another big-play threat. Sanders, 30, owns an impressive 18.6 yard-per catch average for his career and hopes to add to his total of 17 career touchdowns.  

The Little Guys

Dennis Northcutt has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his two professional seasons since the Browns drafted him at the top of the second round in 2000. But he’s still quick and versatile enough to stick on the roster if he displays confidence and good hands in training camp. He and Davis figure to battle for the punt and kick return duties.

Andre King displayed good poise and solid route-running skills in cracking the lineup at the end of last season. He has the hands and the smarts to again stick on the roster and make an impact. Another plus for King is his ability to play special teams and contribute as a kick returner.

The Longshots

Also in camp are two-year NFL veteran and recent NFL Europe import Kwame Cavil, and two undrafted rookie free agents, Frisman Jackson and Dimitrius Breedlove.

The best bet of this group is probably Jackson, who was impressive in Quarterback School and minicamp. He’s got good size (6-foot-3, 205) and was extremely productive in his college career at Western Illinois.

Cavil, who was a backup and special teams player with Buffalo, was a top-rated prospect during his college career who’s still hoping to realize his NFL potential.

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