A big reason for my excitement about the Browns’ offense this year is the return of an excellent group of wide receivers. At least four of them (all second-round draft picks) would be starters on almost any team in the league. Here’s a quick rundown on their strengths and weaknesses:

Kevin Johnson — Pros: great hands, veteran savvy, good field awareness, very durable. Cons: runs routes that can be too loose or short, not very big or fast.

Quincy Morgan — Pros: Tough combination of size and speed, has big-play capability. Cons: suspect hands, makes mental mistakes.

Andre Davis — Pros: Good all-around package of size, speed and hands; can score from the red zone; a threat on kickoff returns. Cons: still young, yet to prove he can stay consistent throughout the season.

Dennis Northcutt — Pros: Very elusive, finds holes in the defense, multiple big-play threat. Cons: smallish and injury prone, not the best blocker.

There’s also Andre King and Frisman Jackson, quality backups both likely to make the team again.

For a detailed and cogent statistical analysis and discussion of the top four WRs, check out this post on the Bernie’s Insiders Pure Football board. While statistics are subject to multiple interpretations — i.e. how much is due to the player versus the role the coaches put him in? — that’s what makes for interesting debates among fans. So here are a few of my takes on the receivers:

— KJ’s yards per catch dropped off last year, but he’s still a clutch player whom the Browns will need if they intend to go all the way. That doesn’t mean he must be a starter, however.

— Northcutt’s career turned the corner last season, and he’s in the last year of his contract. Word is the two sides aren’t close on a long-term deal. It’s a very risky proposition either way. If he gets seriously injured, he’ll kick himself for not locking up the sure money. Meanwhile, if his 2002 magic act continues, the Browns will be hard pressed to stop the flashy phenom from floating away.

— I’d like to see the Browns use three wideouts more often this season, especially on first and second down. That would help keep everyone happy and in the flow of the game. It would also help prevent typecasting that cues defenses as to how a given receiver is used.

— The key to determining who starts and plays most of the first downs: the best overall combination of receiving and blocking skills. With Morgan and Davis especially, there’s potential for big plays not only from each of them, but from their blocks springing William Green and Jamel White for big gains when they hit the corner with a head of steam.

— Should the Browns keep using Davis on kickoff returns and Northcutt on punts? Absolutely. Sure, the injury potential is higher, but so is the reward. That’s one of the reasons for developing such depth. And with a team sporting a solid offense and a suspect defense, the need for an edge on special teams is more critical than ever.