Cleveland Browns: Late round prospects worth drafting

Jake Weineke, WR, South Dakota State

Draft Prediction: 6th Round

Combine Results

40 Yard Dash: 4.67 seconds
Vertical Jump: 34 inches
Broad Jump: 114 inches

Jake Weineke did nothing but absolutely perform in his career at South Dakota State. The former Jackrabbit wide receiver finished his career with over 5,100 yards receiving and 59 touchdowns. He had 16 touchdowns in three seasons, and broke 1,300 yards receiving in every year but his senior season.

His size (6-foot-4 in, 213-pounds) could make him a matchup nightmare in the slot. While not the most explosive player on the field, Weineke knows how to position his body and get separation from the defender at the point of the catch.

WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING:

"“Between the 20-yard lines, Wieneke looks like an NFL backup at best, but his size and ability to threaten in the red zone will have teams taking notice. Wieneke does have a feel for creating some operating room through route quality, but his draft stock will likely hinge on how he runs at the Combine. Wieneke may find his niche as a “big slot” creating matchup issues for smaller cornerbacks.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"

HOW HE FITS WITH CLEVELAND:

Even while adding talent to the offense with the trade for wide receiver Jarvis Landry, the Browns could still use more talent to help quarterback Tyrod Taylor. While the team will likely address the need at running back in this draft as well, the wide receiving corps needs a few more playmakers also.

The leading receiver on the team in 2017 was running back Duke Johnson, who had 74 catches, 41 more catches than the next receiver, Tight end Seth DeValve. The best wide receiver was Ricardo Louis, who had 27 catches for 357 yards.

Next: Derwin James vs. Minkah Fitzpatrick

Pair Jake Weineke, a red zone threat who catches just about anything thrown his direction, with newcomer Jarvis Landry and a (hopefully) sober and clean Josh Gordon, and the offense looks immensely better.