The Cleveland Browns made a huge move on draft day earlier in the year. Knowing that a possession wide receiver was a huge hole, the Browns acquired veteran receiver, Davone Bess from the Miami Dolphins. Much to the delight of Browns nation, Bess would be that missing hole the Browns so desperately needed for the past several seasons.
But, only in Cleveland could a guy that had caught 321 passes before donning an orange helmet, be an absolute bust half way through his first season as a Brown. In eight games, Bess has 28 receptions for just 261 yards and no touchdowns. Out of those 28 catches, 17 of them have converted a first down. The problem is the eight drops, which is good for a top ten rank in the NFL.
Where is the Bess that averaged 64 receptions for the past five seasons? Where is the Bess that averaged at least seven 20+ yard receptions a season? Bess has zero 20+ yard receptions this season.
The six-year pro from Hawaii University is on pace for 56 receptions, 522 yards, and no touchdowns. Dropping at least a pass per game, Bess is also on pace to drop 16 balls. The yards, lack of touchdowns, and drops would all wrap up the worse year of his career.
As the season passes the halfway point in 2013, questions arise concerning needs for 2014 and beyond. Multiple positions are going to be needed filled in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Browns could very well need a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver by season’s end. Browns fans can only hope that Bess plays much better in the second half of the season.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net. Have a question or comment for the “ASK Ryan” column on Fridays? Email Ryan at [email protected]
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