When the Cleveland Browns drafted Jordan Cameron in the fourth round (102nd overall) from the USC Trojans, it was obvious that they were taking a chance on a raw and athletic player that could benefit them in the future. Now in his third year in the NFL, is 2013 the year for Cameron? It better be, there are no excuses.
Much like Bradon Weeden’s situation, Cameron should be held accountable too. With fan favorite Benjamin Watson leaving for free agency to the New Orleans Saints, Cameron is now the big man on campus. The 24-year-old must stay healthy and be on the hip of new head coach, Rob Chudzinski. There is no reason whatsoever for a disappointing season for the former Trojan.
In regards to playing for Chudzinski, Cameron said after the first mini-camp of the season, “Obviously, (Chudzinski) know the importance of tight end…He knows the little things, little nuances of the position. His hands are everywhere. He’s coaching up everyone. He definitely knows what he’s doing. He’s proven.” Lets just hope he doesn’t get in to Chud’s dog house.
In former clueless coach Pat Shurmur‘s horrendous system, Cameron had just 26 receptions. There were plenty of opportunities last year to utilize the basketball-type sized tight end, Shurmur just failed to recognize them. How many times did you say to your flat screen, “Throw a fade to Cameron” or “Where’s Cameron at?” ? With this new opportunity, Cameron must grab the bull by the horns and run with it.
At 6’5″ and 245 pounds, the California native will create mismatches on opposing teams if used properly. After watching him the last two seasons, Cameron seems like a new-breed tight end that could be in the same mold of the Saints‘ Jimmy Graham. Despite Cleveland signing two tight ends in free agency, Kellen Davis and Gary Barnidge, it would be foolish to not put Cameron out there with the first unit when the season starts. Both Davis and Barnidge are better blockers anyways.
If Watson can get 49 receptions, 501 yards, and three touchdowns in Shurmur’s offense, then the sky is the limit for Cameron and we should expect to see higher figures in Norv Turner‘s offense. It’s time for Cameron to break out and he could be an important piece of the puzzle in 2013.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber. You can follow him on Twitter @ryanpruiz24 and Facebook.