Hakeem Butler in play for Cleveland Browns at 17 after 40-yard dash

Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler did himself a lot of favors with his early work at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine and could be in play for the Cleveland Browns

One name that has been talked about as a potential fit for the Cleveland Browns in the upcoming draft is Iowa State wide receiver Hakeem Butler. The 6-foot-5, 227-pound Butler already had eyes on him thanks to his incredible size — which is something the current Browns receiving corps is missing.

In addition to his size, Butler has been a highlight waiting to happen for the Cyclones. He’s frequently made spectacular catches and wins jump balls with ease. He makes contested balls look one-sided, something he touched on while speaking at the combine when he said as long as the ball is near him, he’s going to get it.

Butler, who is being mentored by former NFL greats Calvin Johnson and Anquan Boldin, even went a step further and said he was hands down the best at his position in the 2019 class.

His confidence is high and everything we saw on tape was beyond impressive, but there was still one big question about Butler — was he just a big guy, or could he run? On Saturday, he answered that by putting up an impressive 4.49 in the 40-yard dash.

Considering his size, anything under a 4.6 was going to get him into the discussion for the first round. Breaking 4.5 should now make him a real possibility for the Browns at No. 17.

Butler is coming off his best season as he registered 1,318 yards off 60 receptions with nine receptions. He’s the exact type of player the Browns need opposite Jarvis Landry and could open up the offense as he grows alongside Baker Mayfield.