The Cleveland Browns best wide receivers seem clearer by the day. Odell Beckham Jr. is showing signs of his pre-injury self. He and veteran Jarvis Landry sit on top of the depth chart. Baker Mayfield has a favorite target in Rashard Higgins. Donovan Peoples-Jones is expected to impress again after stepping up big in his 2020 rookie campaign. Last season, the Browns kept six wideouts on their 53-man roster. This year, there are 10 players fighting for a spot and it seems clear who the best four guys are.
OBJ, Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones Among Cleveland Browns Best Receivers
Beckham Is Back to His Old Self
Recovering well from his ACL surgery, Beckham has been quick to show he is ready to hit the field again. He has completed full sprints, making hard cuts and one-handed catches at camp. Before his injury, Beckham had deep-ball abilities and a propensity to make big plays out of thin air. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2019. In 2020, he was primed for his best season with the Browns until injury ended it. In just six games, he scored four touchdowns. Understandably, he is chomping at the bit to prove he can still be a big producer. With almost all offensive starters returning this season and familiar with Stefanski’s playbook, it will be the first time Mayfield can enjoy continuity. This will benefit Beckham too.
Peoples-Jones Is Poised for Big Plays
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Peoples-Jones stepped up. An emerging playmaker and contributor to the team’s success last season, he is expected to repeat or improve that performance. He has been a star at camp, with everyone noticing his releases and catches in traffic. He has even been returning and covering kicks, which Stefanski says is the “most impressive thing…he’s an all-day guy right now.”
As Beckham was absent last season, Peoples-Jones was giving many opportunities to showcase his abilities. In 12 regular-season games, he caught 14 passes on 20 targets for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Everything points to him being the best choice for the No. 3 receiver spot over KhaDarel Hodge and Anthony Schwartz. He has the opportunity to learn from receivers coach Chad O’Shea, who after winning three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, is the ideal teacher. Per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Peoples-Jones says he is blessed to have learned so much from Beckham and Landry. “[I’ve learned] just how to be a pro. They’ve had their track record, and they’re greats.” He seems to be the perfect student, and that will go a long way in helping the team as a whole.
Landry and Higgins Are Still Being Relied On
While there have been questions about Landry’s production, it should be remembered that he was given a whopping 101 targets last season. Higgins received about half of that with 52 targets. Beckham still clocked in at third with 43, despite missing much of the season. Additionally, Mayfield has always had great chemistry with Higgins, and it would be beneficial to keep that connection going. Higgins, like the rest of the team and coaches, has his eye on the prize and won’t stop until they get it. “If we’re not going to the Super Bowl, we should not be talking.” Don’t mistake that for being cocky – it is coming from a place of drive and grit. That is something every player should have.
Cleveland’s offense has been near unfaultable recently. If the receivers do their part well, the Browns should be in for another good season.
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