Cleveland Browns: Top 5 receiver targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

3. Deontay Burnett, USC

USC wide receiver Deontay Burnett is not a “top-flight” receiver prospect, but he definitely deserves to be on this list. Why? Because the Browns are likely going to draft USC quarterback Sam Darnold, and he is incredibly familiar with Burnett.

Burnett’s biggest asset is his route-running. He is clean on the entire route tree, and his work on his routes showed at USC in 2017. After JuJu Smith-Schuster left for the NFL, Burnett became the Trojans’ number one receiver. He racked up 86 catches, 1,114 total yards, and nine touchdowns.

Burnett could be a solid mid-round option for the Browns, considering they’ll likely pass on receivers in the first round. If they choose to pass on them in the second round as well, Burnett could be a perfect choice for the third or fourth round.

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One major problem with Burnett is his frighteningly slim build. Standing at 6-foot even and weighing only 170-pounds, Burnett could be worryingly skinny for the next level.

Perhaps Burnett could excel as a slot receiver in the NFL, rather than a true wide receiver option. His familiarity and connection with Sam Darnold could help him to get drafted, as well as his solid 2017 stats.

What is important for Burnett is that he goes to a situation where he does not have to be the number one guy. His fit is, almost exclusively, in the slot. He does a lot of things really well, but nothing about him sticks out as incredibly great.

With a good quarterback at his side, Burnett could have a solid rookie year. If the Browns choose to pair him with Darnold come this April as first and third-round picks, they could have a great connection for years to come.