As the 2012 NFL offseason rolls on we are beginning to get an idea of what and who will be used in this new version of the “West Coast Offense” under head coach Pat Shurmur and new offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

We have already learned that Josh Cribbs will have a reduced role in the Browns offensive scheme (although I’m sure a version of the flash package will still be available). But as a receiver Cribbs finds he’s further down on the receiver depth chart despite his career high receiving numbers. Cribbs snagged 41 receptions for 518 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will end up playing receiver at times, but in a much more limited capacity.

The absolutely great thing about Cribbs is he is fine with that, he is the definition of a “Team Player” whom I have the most respect for. He gets paid for his special teams talents, not only as a returner, but as a coverage man as well. But with Cribbs no longer the #3 receiver on the chart and Greg Little and Mohammed Massaquoi penciled in as 1 & 2, which one of the Browns young receiver corps will step up in 2012? Let’s look at some of the options.

Jordan Norwood

Norwood is my personal prediction to have a break-out season. A product of Penn State Norwood has worked himself from the practice squad to a man who has earned a shot.  He had 23 receptions for 268 yards and a touchdown in limited playing time last season. Just think of what he can do if he is out there more. I think he can be one of those guys that a QB like Brandon Weeden will learn to love and look for.

Carlton Mitchell

I know my buddy at Cleveland.com Keith B. McGlothin likes Mitchell and he has every right to be impressed. For those of you not familiar with Keith he is the featured Browns blogger for the Plain dealer at Cleveland.com, Mitchell just has not really been given an opportunity to prove himself. He is a big target at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds from South Florida. But he only had 3 receptions last season due to EXTREMELY limited playing time. Much of Mitchell’s 2 years in the league have been dealing with injuries but he’s ready to compete now and is showing it in camp.

Travis Benjamin

The Browns first receiver selection in the 2012 draft was Benjamin in the 5th round from Miami. Benjamin is a speedster who many hope he will become like the Baltimore Ravens Torrey Smith. But what Benjamin needs to learn is that speed is not everything. He will need to learn to break away from the line of scrimmage with some serious NFL corners jamming him, and he needs to become more comfortable in the middle of the field. At Miami Benjamin was an outside guy who simply burned the coverage. He has been clocked at a 4.26 40-yard time so he has what you can’t teach. Now he needs to learn the rest.

Josh Cooper

This is my “dark horse” pick for the season. He and Weeden have good chemistry thanks to their days playing together at Oklahoma State and if not for Justin Blackmon I believe Cooper would have been picked up instead of being signed as an undrafted free agent. He could (in my humble opinion) be the new version of Brian Brennan. He can be “the guy” who is there when you need a first down. He won’t be handed the #3 role on the receiver depth chart but he will make this team and injuries will give him a chance to show that he is a “possession” receiver.

There are other receivers scattered throughout the roster but these are the guys to watch for especially as preseason draws nearer. Who do you think will step up?