Cleveland Browns: 3 potential wide receivers in the NFL draft

The Cleveland Browns are in need of weapons for Baker Mayfield. We take a look at the potential wide receivers the Browns should be targeting in the draft.

The Cleveland Browns scouting department will be tasked with one mission that must be carried out between now and the NFL draft: Find Baker Mayfield some help.

Now that help could come in two different forms. One, draft an offensive tackle. Solidifying the pass protection would help Mayfield by giving him the confidence that he will have the time he needs to be successful in the pocket. Or two, draft a wide receiver. The Browns need to find a potentially game-changing weapon in the passing game.

If John Dorsey decides that a wide receiver is a top priority this off-season, look for him to grab one in the draft. This will be a down year for the position in free agency. Today we explore three potential wide receivers the Browns should be targeting in the draft.

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1. A.J. Brown

One look at the junior from Ole Miss and one thing is clear — A.J. Brown passes the eye test. At 6-foot-1, he lacks the prototypical height at the position, but at 230-pounds, he is an absolute nightmare to tackle for defensive backs.

The thing that jumps out the most is his ability to catch the short pass, break a tackle, and then accelerate. Brown uses his monstrous frame well to position himself and catches with his hands in traffic.

He is a versatile route runner that can make a difference anywhere on the field. More than likely, Brown will be the first wide receiver off the board this April.

*His last name is Brown. We know that looks good on the back of a Cleveland Browns Jersey

2. N’Keal Harry

N’Kheal Harry is a playmaker who has the size to excel on the outside. He has prototypical size at 6-foot-4 and 215-pounds. Harry has rare timing on 50/50 balls that you do not see too often. That part of his game is reminiscent of a young Larry Fitzgerald.

Arizona State has showcased Harry’s versatility, allowing the wide receiver to take direct snaps in goal line situations, and return punts. Harry took a 92-yard return to the house in which he ran close to 150 total yards. He has good vision with the ball in his hands. The only negative from his game tape is he catches the ball with his body too frequently.

Critics of Harry claim he does not have explosive athleticism and lacks suddenness. Harry will have the most to gain at the NFL combine and could leapfrog A.J. Brown with a sub 4.5 in the 40-yard dash.

3. Marquise Brown

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is the epitome of a walking highlight. The junior college transfer is a big play waiting to happen. What the Oklahoma product lacks in size (5-foot-11, and 165-pounds) he makes up for in blinding speed (4.35 40-yd dash). Brown is sure-handed and has a knack for making the first defender miss.

The only knock on Brown is his size. And while it is not ideal, with all the rule changes that favor the wide receiver, it is much more plausible for a smaller player to thrive in today’s NFL. His size may cause him to slip to day two of the draft. If the Browns go offensive tackle with their first-round pick Brown may be the best option available.

Intangibles: In addition to having the last name Brown, he already has a working rapport with Mayfield.

Other names to watch: D.K. Metcalf (Ole Miss), Anthony Johnson (Buffalo), Parris Campbell (Ohio State), Deebo Samuel (South Carolina), and David Sills (West Virginia).