Next OBJ? Browns see parallels in latest LSU receiver phenom, Giants rookie Malik Nabers

BEREA — The comparison was right there for Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Even as he acknowledged the incredibly limited sample size, he couldn't help but see a different wide receiver when he watched New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers.

“It’s two games, so small sample size, but I don’t know if anybody else sees the comparison, but he reminds me a lot of Odell Beckham (Jr.)," Schwartz said this week. "Just in the way he moves and his run-after-the-catch ability and things like that. They target him a lot when they’re looking for big plays. And, also, they target him on some short passes that he’s been able to break tackles and things like that."

Schwartz isn't the first one to see similarities between the current Giants wide receiver phenom and the former Giants — and one-time Browns — wide receiver phenom. It's just that Nabers is front of mind for the Browns this week as they prepare to defend him in Sunday's home game.

There's a whole lot to the comparison. There's the fact that, physically, Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in April's draft, is 6-foot, 200 pounds, only an inch taller than the 5-11, 200-pound Beckham.

There's the obvious stylistic comparison to their games. As much as they're capable of being a threat to make a big play, it's as likely to happen by taking a slant 70 yards than by simply running past a cornerback on a go route.

"First of all speed," safety Grant Delpit said of Nabers' strengths. "He sees the field good, too, when he catches the ball. They give him bench, drag routes, let him catch it with a lot of space so he can work that way. Give him deep balls, as well. I think he's a pretty good complete receiver I've seen so far based on his first two games. Good player. He went to LSU — what can I say?"