Dawgs By Nature
This year’s Cleveland Browns squad is beginning to shape up. The receiver room is a critical aspect, despite the notion being tossed around that this year’s offense will become more run-heavy, which would mean that the passing attack will take a back seat.
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Traditionally, the coaching staff has kept six receivers. A quick glance at the roster reveals that four are most likely a lock: Jerry Jeudy, Ced Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and Diontae Johnson. That leaves just two spots up for grabs.
Most folks believe that DeAndre Carter will become the fifth receiver, which brings just one open slot.
Who gets it? Kisean Johnson signed a huge free-agent deal before training camp. Gage Larvadain has turned heads. Kaden Davis scored two touchdowns in the first preseason game. David Bell remains in play. Cade McDonald has shown flashes. Luke Floriea was considered the frontrunner before getting injured and then released. Chase Cota was also released.
Our money is on the competition between Kaden Davis and Gage Larvadain.
Comparisons:
Davis: 6’-1”, 190 pounds
Larvadain: 5’-8”, 171 pounds
Davis: age 26
Larvadain: age 22
Davis: undrafted 2022
Larvadain: undrafted 2025
Davis: 6 professional games played
Larvadain: 0 professional games played
Davis: 40 time 4.44
Larvadain: 40 time 4.45
Davis: Vertical jump 36.5”
Larvadain: Vertical jump 38.5”
Davis: College career receiving yards – 959
Larvadain: College career receiving yards – 902
Davis: College career touchdowns – 11
Larvadain: College career touchdowns – 7
Davis: College career punt returns – 4 for minus one yard
Larvadain: College career punt returns – 6 for 61 yards, 10.2 average
Davis: College kickoff returns – one for 103 yards, one touchdown
Larvadain: College kickoff returns – one for 6 yards
Davis: Accolades – 2021 MIAA All-Conference Honorable Mention, MIAA Academic Honor Roll, high school 2016 “Track Athlete of the Year,” 2017 Kansas Shrine All-Star Bowl
Larvadain: 2021 First Team All-Southland Conference
Davis is the most experienced of the two since he became a professional athlete three years ago, while Larvadain is a rookie.
The Denver Broncos signed Davis right after the draft had concluded and made it to the final cutdown, released, then signed to their practice squad, where he remained all season. He then signed with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL and was an instant contributor both on offense and as their primary kick returner. He totaled 416 all-purpose yards in five games.
Davis then had short stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and the Broncos again. In December, Denver waived him, and the Browns picked him up and placed him on their practice squad. He was elevated before the final game against the Baltimore Ravens. He played 11 snaps on special teams and 15 snaps with the offense. He tallied zero targets/receptions, but had three kickoff returns for 107 yards with a 35.7 yards per return average.
Both players have been...
