5 late round wide receiver prospects for the Cleveland Browns

Joe Reed, Virginia

Joe Reed was a three-star recruit out of his small town Charlotte Court House, Virginia, and he stayed in-state to play for the Cavaliers in 2016. As a freshman, he cut his teeth on special teams and very quickly emerged as a threat as a return man.

Reed saw his role expanded during his sophomore year, earning snaps as a running back and wide receiver all the while maintaining his devastating abilities on kickoff returns. He broke out as a receiver his senior year while earning an All-ACC nod as an all-purpose offensive player and returner during his senior season.

When watching him play, his running back background quickly becomes evident. He has great vision and is rarely brought down by the first tackler. Virginia used Reed’s athleticism and shiftiness with screens, jet sweeps, and comebacks.

He has excellent hands that extend well outside of his frame and he has the hops to high point a ball. Reed is extremely well-built and shows the ability to take hits.

Obviously, as a late round prospect Reed is not without his issues. He needs to work on selling his routes; he’ll shuffle his feet too early and occasionally throw his hands out like a turn signal before a break, but this can be ironed out. Physical corners will cause him some problems, especially off the line of scrimmage. He’ll have to rely on his physical abilities to gain separation and put on some muscle to fight through jams.