Faceoff - WR Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns

Posted 6/15, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Sigmund Bloom

It's hard to imagine Braylon Edwards' situation and contributing outside factors being much worse than they were last year, yet he finished the 2006 at WR26. This year he represents value in the fifth round as WR22 and one of the last wide receivers with a legitimate chance to be a true #1.

Before we start breaking down Edwards 2006, let's remember that it wasn't a given that he was even going to be ready to play on opening day last year. Edwards suffered an ACL tear in December 2005, and he didn't have the surgery until January 2006. Edwards defied every solemn proclamation by the team that he might not be ready until November or October, or be ready for training camp, or play in the preseason. Don't think Edwards was eased back in -- he had over 100 yards receiving in his second and third games back. This episode is an indicator that Edwards is a gamer and a fast healer, but don't let it overshadow the fact he still wasn't at full speed while he was doing all of this. He will be this year.

Edwards wasn't 100%, and he certainly wasn't set up to succeed by external factors. The team went through two quarterbacks (Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson) and two offensive coordinators (Maurice Carthon and Jeff Davidson) during the season, and saw their marquee free agent offensive lineman (LeCharles Bentley) go down to an injury that has still prevented him from seeing the field. While 2007 brings a third offensive coordinator (Rob Chudzinski) and possible third QB (Brady Quinn), some of that instability will be offset by Edwards being healthy enough to practice all offseason, developing timing with the QBs and getting reps in the new offense. The team also added Eric Steinbach, the best guard in the free agent market, and Joe Thomas, the best left tackle in the draft. The quarterback, offensive line, and game plan might not improve as much as Browns fans hope, but they surely will be better than they were in 2007.

There is no disputing that Edwards has the skillset to be a #1 WR. He has the size to be a top target in the red zone. He's got the speed, leaping ability, and body control to be a lethal deep target. He can do damage after the catch. There are few areas of the Browns passing game plan that won't include Edwards.

Fantasy football owners who took a chance on ultra-talented WRs like Lee Evans, Andre Johnson, and Roy Williams to make similar leaps forward in production despite uncertain situations were rewarded handsomely last year. It might be too optimistic to expect a top ten finish, but Edwards has a better chance to end up there than any wide receiver being drafted outside of the top 20. While other owners are scrambling for part time RBs, TEs from the vast non-Gates first tier, and QBs outside of the top five, the shark move is a selection of Edwards to bolster your WR corps.

Downside - by David Baker

Braylon Edwards was taken with the third overall pick in the 2005 draft. The highly acclaimed player has progressed in a reasonable fashion since then, with 61 receptions for 884 yards and six touchdowns last year. There's no denying that Edwards should have a long successful NFL career, as he possesses top end skills. Still, there are reasons for doubt for Edwards upside in 2007.

Edwards, while a wonderful talent, drops far too many balls. He also has acted too immature at times and was a major distraction for the team last year. His distractions grew great enough that he was even benched for the second to last game. The benching, as the coaching staff described it, was because Edwards was late for two meetings that week, but in reality it was a culmination of an entire season of events. Edwards needs to get his head on straight before he can think of becoming a top wide receiver. While some proclaim Edwards as a high character person (and recent events have suggested he might be maturing), his clubhouse and on-field actions speak louder than his words.

Many thought the Edwards they saw last year was not the same player he was before an ACL injury ended his rookie year. He seemed to lack the explosion needed for him to take that next step. Has his health really improved enough? The old rule of thumb that it takes a player two full years to recover from such an injury would mean that Edwards isn't the same player as before until December of this year, well into the season.

The Cleveland QB situation is up in the air, as highly touted Brady Quinn arrives on the scene. Will Quinn take command of the job? Will third year QB Charlie Frye retain his claim on the spot? Either way, you're looking at a possible scenario where there is little stability at the position, which would not bode well for Edwards. While the current evidence indicates it is Frye's job to lose, Frye hasn't exactly overwhelmed with his abilities thus far. And the drafting of Quinn makes it painfully obvious that Frye's tenure as the starter in Cleveland is limited, to say the least. For Edwards to continue to progress, he needs to have some consistent connection with the guy tossing him the ball.

I don't think Edwards is far away from being a high impact fantasy WR, but I don't think it happens for another year or two. There isn't enough stability for the team right now to be overly optimistic. If or when Quinn becomes the force many predict and when they add another piece or two to their offensive line (drafting Joe Thomas and acquiring Eric Steinbach was a good start), then look for Edwards to take that next step. Until then, Edwards' health and immaturity and the team's lack of stability at quarterback are obstacles that stand in Edwards' way to have a big season in 2007.