UCLA Football: Five Bruins to watch in the 2017 NFL preseason

Jordan Payton

Here’s a case of a player making the list because he might not be a lock to make a roster this preseason. Jordan Payton was drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He was one of four receivers taken in that draft as the Browns looked to rebuild their receiving corps.

I expected Payton to make an immediate impact because I thought, and still believe, that he was a better receiver than his draft slot indicated and one of the most complete receivers on the team. He was also a go to receiver for the UCLA Football offense while he was with the Bruins.

I was wrong on him making an immediate impact. Payton finished the season with one catch for three yards and was suspended for the final four games of the 2016 season after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

The Browns didn’t draft any receivers this time around but did add two rookie TEs including the ultra athletic David Njoku. What they did do was go out and sign veteran WR Kenny Britt. While Britt is past his prime and isn’t a number one receiver, he does do a lot of what Payton does well. They’re both physical, strong handed receivers that are savvy at getting open without elite speed.

Without a strong preseason I’d worry that Payton becomes expendable especially since the NFL owners voted to do away with one set of roster cuts so instead of going from 90 players to 75 to 53, the rosters will go straight from 90 to 53.

While this gives guys on the bubble a little longer to hang onto a roster and make an impression it also means massive cuts in one fell swoop. A sub-par preseason could be the end for Payton.