Cleveland Browns: Projecting the fifth and sixth receiver and how that will evolve this season

With Antonio Callaway injured now and suspended to start the year, the Cleveland Browns have been working on his replacement and the last spots in the receiver room. Two options have stood out, though their roles should change when Callaway is slated to come back.

The injury and looming suspension for Antonio Callaway has put the Cleveland Browns in a position where they have been forced to fully evaluate and develop receivers competing for the fifth and sixth spots in Callaway's stead.

Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Derrick Willies have accounted for the first four spots. A pair of receivers have stood out for the remaining two.

The first is Jaelen Strong, who appears to be have locked up the spot to be Callaway's replacement for the length of his suspension. He's a big bodied receiver who has done a pretty good job of catching passes in traffic and came up with a touchdown in the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Nothing he's doing is spectacular, but when the ball comes his way, he's making the plays he should, which is more than enough for what they're asking of him.

The other player is D.J. Montgomery, the undrafted rookie out of Austin Peay, who has really come on the past couple weeks and in both preseason games. He's got great size and impressive athleticism, but he's really been a nice playmaker in spots repping with both Garrett Gilbert and David Blough.

He's had a few drops, but his impact outweighs the miscues. He's getting better and his trajectory could lead him to be a really nice player if the Browns stick with him.
And Montgomery has the physical traits that would suggest he can contribute on special teams and they should continue working to see if he can help them there.
Right now, Strong and Montgomery should round out the receiver room for the Browns. Injury, a trade or someone really stepping up could change things, but those two are standing out the most right now.

When the Browns start the season, Strong should play before Montgomery, operating as the fifth receiver or perhaps fourth if they feel more comfortable with him than Derrick Willies right now. He's experienced, understands what he's supposed to do and has been reliable in doing his job.

The problem for Strong is he offers next to nothing on special teams. They have him repping in some of those groups, but he's been dreadful thus far. Maybe it gets better, but this might just be who he is as a player.

Looking ahead when Callway would return for week 5, the Browns would be better off moving on from Strong and keeping Montgomery, betting on the potential in a longer term play. Montgomery is only 22 years old as a rookie and his physical ability suggests a ton of upside.

Strong as a sixth receiver doesn't give the Browns much of anything if he can't contribute on special teams. In that spot, he may not even be active most games. And unless the Browns have injuries, they aren't getting him on the field.

It's possible, though unlikely Strong could be traded, he's likely released. And if he makes a few plays that first month of the season, it may be better for him to get released as he can then sign and potentially contribute somewhere else.

Maybe Montgomery could get to the practice squad, but it may simply be the safer play to keep him on the active roster. He's the perfect type of sixth receiver. Young, great athlete, needs experience and reps to keep developing. If he keeps on a positive trajectory, he might be someone that can step in and contribute in a more regular capacity next year as the Browns have some difficult decisions to make at that position this coming offseason.
Strong is the better option right now and in Callaway's absence, but Montgomery is on a path to a brighter future and the hope is it's with the Browns.