Browns beat writer Tony Grossi: If Josh Gordon is suspended, the player who will benefit the most is Jordan Cameron. If the tight end’s third season was considered a breakout year (80 receptions, 917 yards, 7 TDs), his fourth could be record-breaking. There is no doubt the Kyle Shanahan offense will commit to running the ball. Shanahan’s zone-blocking run scheme and the additions to the run game (backs Ben Tate and Terrance West, and guard Joel Bitonio) will force defenses to move a safety into the tackling box. Because if they don’t, Shanahan and HC Mike Pettine will be content to run all day. So when defenses commit their safety to the run, Cameron will have greater opportunity to beat single coverage down the field. Although the receiving corps will be lacking without Gordon, the presence of slot receiver Andrew Hawkins should occupy attention and further assist Cameron’s ability to get open. I will predict right now that Cameron will lead the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
Cameron was the #2 TE through Week 8, but ranked #23 from Week 9 through Week 17. Some of this had to do with the QB issues in Cleveland, though his targets remained relatively even (8.4 T/G through Week 8 vs. 7.3 T/G thereafter). Despite the departure of a TE-friendly coaching staff that included HC Rob Chudzinski and OC Norv Turner, there is still a lot to like about Cameron. He should enjoy a QB upgrade and new OC Kyle Shanahan is pretty TE-friendly in his own right. Under Shanahan, Jordan Reed was targeted a healthy 6.6 times per game (11th-most among TEs) in 2013. While the new regime is not an upgrade for Cameron, it’s not a huge downgrade, either. Don’t forget that Cameron is entering his fourth season and is still improving as a player.
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