Browns Rumor: Team Targeting WR Early in Draft

A new Cleveland Browns rumor is one that will both get Browns fans hopes up and possibly set them up to be disappointed. According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo, the Browns are very interested in the Top 3 wide receivers in the draft and would target them at 12:

Important wording is “depend who is on the board at their pick,” most likely referring to a quarterback but could also be related to a player slipping they did not expect. The Browns targeting a top WR at 12 fits with what most fans believe about the team: They are in desperate need of a big time playmaker outside. This draft is deep at wide receiver, very similar to last year. It will be interesting if last year’s WR success pushes players up the draft at that position or if teams believe they can get quality later in the draft.

Robinson went on to say that if the Top 3 guys are gone the Browns will be aggressive in filling their need, either reaching at 19 or in a trade back:

Based on Ray Farmer’s history, we don’t see the team looking to reach for a player outside of their value. This holds especially true at the WR position. Instead we could see the Browns moving up from the 2nd round or the trade down scenario that Robinson mentioned is realistic as well. Jaelen Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham, Breshad Perriman, Devin Smith and others could all interest the Browns late in the 1st or in the 2nd round.

Universally it is agreed that QB, WR and defensive line, specifically nose tackle, are the Browns biggest needs. Some believe WR is the biggest of them all. Based on Robinson’s Browns rumor we have to believe that the Front Office and Coaching Staff agree that receiver is high on the list.

Drafting one high means passing on very talented players at other positions. Robinson mentions DeVante Parker based on projections that he would be the 3rd of the WRs selected. Kevin White‘s workouts have vaulted him to the top of many boards while Amari Cooper seems like the safest bet. We would not be shocked to see Cooper, not Parker, available when the Browns pick.

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Any one of those three would create a very complete receiving group. Andrew Hawkins is a star slot receiver and a #2 option in the passing game. Brian Hartline is a veteran, move the chains kind of guy on the outside and Taylor Gabriel can play both inside and out as a dynamic, shorter weapon. Adding a true #1 with size and speed that can take the lid off the top, high point balls and be physical over the middle would complete that group of four.

What do you think about this Browns rumor regarding receivers in the NFL Draft?

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