The Browns have question marks across the roster, but no position has less certainty than wide receiver. There’s Braylon Edwards and … a handful of possibilities.

Rookie second-round picks Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi are locks to make the team, but their roles are far from defined. The coaching staff would love one to win a starting spot, but won’t force the issue.

Mike Furrey, 32, has quickness, a 98-catch season in 2006 and is a natural in the slot. David Patten has retained his speed, but turns 35 next week. Joshua Cribbs had just two catches in 15 games last year, but could finally be grasping the intricacies of the position. Lance Leggett is 6-foot-3 and the fastest of the bunch, but has never caught an NFL pass.

Edwards, Robiskie, Massaquoi and Cribbs are guaranteed spots on the 53-man roster. Syndric Steptoe is out of the running after a shoulder injury, so that leaves a spot or two up for grabs.

Would the staff pick a veteran on his downside over a young guy with potential but no experience, such as Leggett, Paul Hubbard or rookie free agent Jordan Norwood? Does the final receiving corps need a mixture of size, speed and experience?

“I’m not necessarily looking for it to hit a quota for age or any of that stuff,” coach Eric Mangini said last week. “I just want it effective.

“How well are they releasing? Are they adjusting the routes? And it’s nothing more than who can be most effective in there.”

Massaquoi worked with the No. 1 offense during the scrimmage Sunday and Robiskie the second team. Robiskie signed a few days later than Massaquoi and is still trying to catch up.

Massaquoi has shown the ability to make the spectacular play, even as he fine-tunes his route running. He made a
one-handed grab in the end zone during practice, then tiptoed the sideline Sunday to haul in a Derek Anderson pass.

Robiskie has had more drops in camp than anticipated and failed to get a second foot down on the sideline Sunday on what would’ve been a big play in the fourth quarter. But he’s smart and smooth and has a great pedigree.

“Both these guys can play, both these guys have been No. 1s where they come from,” Edwards said. “I’ve seen them show talent, they’re extremely eager to ask questions, to participate. They do whatever they’re asked to do. It’s going to be fun.”

Furrey and Patten have the longest resumes and the most to teach the youngsters in the position meetings. But neither is likely to be kept for experience alone.

Furrey must show he is the same guy that caught 159 passes in 2006-07 and not the one with 18 catches in nine games last year. And Patten needs to build on his two long catches Sunday, including a 71-yard touchdown, that reminded everyone he can still separate from the secondary.

Their experience will be balanced against potential. Cribbs and Leggett have special athletic gifts, made great strides since last year and stood out in the early stages of camp.

Cribbs continued the solid play Sunday with six catches for 50 yards. The amount of time he spends at receiver on game day will depend on his special teams duties.

Leggett caught two passes for 62 yards Sunday, including a 51-yard touchdown from Brady Quinn.

“I’m not really worried about it,” Leggett said of the receiver competition. “I just do what the coaches tell me to do. That’s in God’s hands. It ain’t in my hands right now.”

Hubbard was a sixth-round pick in 2008, but didn’t see the field on Sundays. He’s made some nice catches in camp, but could be the odd man out. Norwood is 5-11, 179 pounds and could make the practice squad as an insurance kick returner.
“I think we have a great base, whoever winds up being the four guys or five guys are going to be solid,” Edwards said. “I think they’ll be ready to go.”

Stallworth on ESPN

Tonight on ESPN, suspended Browns receiver Donte Stallworth will do his first extended interview since killing a man while driving under the influence. In an exclusive “E:60” interview, Stallworth will talk in detail about the early morning hours of March 14.

Browns camp

Two practices today — 8:45-10:45 a.m. and 5:45-7:45 p.m. Call (877) 627-6967 for updates.

Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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