It was patently obvious from the start: Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones would be the odd-man out in the revamped Cleveland offense. The personnel in the Browns receivers room was a big focus of the offseason overhaul of the offense. The team brought in a big man in Cedric Tillman, an athlete in Elijah Moore, and a speedster in Marquise Goodwin.
Peoples-Jones, who has a bit of all three of these attributes but doesn’t particularly excel in any category, was inevitably squeezed out. It hasn’t particularly helped that Cleveland’s franchise quarterback has only played three of seven games thus far. Still, with Peoples-Jones’ rookie contract expiring, it was highly unlikely he’d stay in Cleveland regardless.
But in the NFL, any change creates opportunity. Peoples-Jones has been shipped to Detroit for a 2025 sixth-round choice. Who is the next man up?
These Browns Receivers Benefit from the Departure of Donovan Peoples-Jones
Revamping the Browns receivers room brought in a lot of new names. The team’s top receiving threat is and remains Amari Cooper. Tight end David Njoku has also found new life in the offensive redesign, benefiting from a number of planned screens and passes into traffic. But who else stands to benefit?
Cedric Tillman
Tillman was the Browns 2023 pick and is the largest player in the Browns receivers room. He was picked to be an alternative to Njoku across the middle. But he’s seen just three targets and made one reception. With the Browns quarterbacks in flux, Tillman’s the one who stands to immediately benefit. Cleveland has had to adjust their playcalling to shorter, quicker-developing routes. Don’t be surprised to see Tillman catching some in traffic against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Marquise Goodwin
At 5-9, 185, Goodwin is a speedster whose contribution to the Browns receivers room is as a deep threat. Goodwin’s not the type to leap over a defender or catch the ball in traffic, but rather run past his guy. That makes it difficult for him under the current circumstances in Cleveland, as neither PJ Walker nor Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a threat with the deep ball right now. But when Deshaun Watson is finally healthy, Goodwin might get more chance.
Elijah Moore
It seems contradictory to think that the departure of Peoples-Jones and his eight receptions will somehow benefit Moore, who is the team’s third-leading receiver. But Peoples-Jones has also been the team’s primary punt returner for the last two seasons. Peoples-Jones’ average has been cut in half this season. Ineffective as he’s been, special teams coach Bubba Ventrone sent out Moore last week against Seattle. Moore’s 11.5-yard return average could’ve been the final nail in Peoples-Jones’ Cleveland coffin.
Austin Watkins Jr.
The preseason fan favorite has been a mainstay of the practice squad for the last eight weeks. But the Browns receivers room is down to five, and his height is something that Cleveland’s quarterbacks could use. Watkins has done everything he can with the opportunities he’s earned, so don’t be surprised if he stays on the 53-man roster when he gets the opportunity.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: The Tennessean
