Cleveland Browns Need To Find A Separator In The 2022 NFL Draft
The Cleveland Browns offense has its issues, and one of those is the fact that they need to find a true separator in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The discourse surrounding the Cleveland Browns and their offense has spanned weeks now. It’s impossible to place the blame on one single thing, despite the efforts by many sections of the fan base. Before he was released, Odell Beckham Jr. was separating, but there were definite drops on him and play calls where he wasn’t the primary target. Baker Mayfield has been off this season, and while some of that can be placed on injuries, the accuracy hasn’t been the same.
Part of it falls on Kevin Stefanski as well. Stefanski’s offense is designed to thrive off of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the zone running game and build from there. The passing game and its concepts just aren’t hitting right now, and adjustments will need to be made for the Browns to make a run down the stretch.
The final part of the pie is the personnel. Right now, the Browns receiver room isn’t one that inspires confidence. There is definitely promise with second-year receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, but he isn’t the alpha yet in this offense. Anthony Schwartz provides speed and can make the most of quick touches, but he isn’t an “X” or even “Z” type.
With Rashard Higgins set to hit free agency, and Jarvis Landry playing slot snaps in 11 personnel (and not doing much other than being a possession receiver), the Cleveland Browns will look to the 2022 NFL Draft to address their need for a true separator.
Which Prospects Fit The Cleveland Browns Best?
The 2022 NFL Draft features an interesting group of receivers, one that looks like it could be a deep group, pending underclassmen declarations. Separation comes via different attributes, but it’s likely the Browns will look for a strong route runner who is dynamic off the line and can get open quickly. It shortens the list a bit, but there are a few strong candidates to be in Cleveland when the draft gets underway.
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson is as close to the consensus top guy as anyone right now, and the Ohio State junior is having a phenomenal season. In 11 games in 2021, Wilson has 70 catches for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, by far his best season as a Buckeye.
Wilson is a true separator. He’s smooth off the line of scrimmage, is efficient and quick at the top of his stem, and attacks blind spots well. Wilson can create separation quickly for the quick passing game, and is a three-level threat at the position. He’s listed at just 188 pounds, but Wilson plays much bigger than size at the catch point, attacking and securing the football in the air with great leaping ability and adjustment skills.
The Browns traditionally look for younger players early in the draft, and Wilson will be just 21 when the draft commences.
Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Jahan Dotson might not fit in terms of the age tendencies by the current Browns organization, but he’d be another who could instantly make an impact in this offense.
Dotson has improved a ton at the line of scrimmage this year in terms of his footwork. He’s still dynamic and quickly works into his stem, but he stays efficient and doesn’t lose balance or drift too much. He’s got the speed to threaten deep and has displayed numerous instances of double moves. Dotson is strong on hitch/curl/stop routes, can win on the slant, and maintains his speed well through his transitions.
Dotson also plays bigger at the catch point like Wilson. He attacks the ball well and treats every ball in the air like it’s a game of 500. He’s a potential target in the second round.
Jameson Williams, Alabama
The final player on the list is a big time riser at the position. Jameson Williams transferred from Ohio State to Alabama for the 2021 season, and broke out in a big way. He’s averaging over 20 yards per reception in 2021, and has 1,261 yards and 13 touchdowns entering the SEC title game against Georgia.
Williams has been a phenomenal deep threat this season for the Crimson Tide. He eats up cushion so quickly, and has made a mockery of two deep coverage, blowing by safeties at an absurd rate. His speed is game-changing, and he puts defenses on notice with just his presence.
Williams isn’t just a deep threat though. He has great separation quickness and burst off the line of scrimmage. That burst and explosion makes Williams a great initial separator. He might not be a three-level threat just yet, but he excels in the quick game and vertical game, and would be a great pick with excellent potential as he develops.
Any of these three would be great for the Cleveland Browns, and could reignite a struggling passing game in 2022 and beyond.