Donovan Peoples-Jones selected as Browns rookie hidden gem

Donovan Peoples-Jones could be a hidden gem for the Cleveland Browns

It was inevitable that the Cleveland Browns would land another wide receiver this offseason.

In the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, they drafted Donovan Peoples-Jones, a shifty route-runner from Michigan.

While the Browns biggest positional needs were offensive line and defensive help, Peoples-Jones was considered Cleveland’s surprise rookie gem in FanSided’s NFL Spin Zone article.

The article details that Rashard Higgins, one of Baker Mayfield’s favorite targets from his rookie campaign, has also resigned a one-year deal with the Browns. However, Peoples-Jones skill potential will be hard to keep on the sidelines.

In the sixth round, teams are typically drafting players with what they consider as “boom or bust” potential. Many fans and pundits believe that Peoples-Jones could easily churn out a more successful NFL career than his underwhelming collegiate career. Let’s face it, he was the top wideout recruited in 2017, but was plagued by awful quarterback play in Ann Arbor. The 21 year-old has a six-foot-2 frame, making him the tallest wide receiver on Cleveland’s roster with KhaDarel Hodge and Damion Ratley.

New head coach Kevin Stefanski definitely has a multitude of options for his sixth-round pick.

In a Gary Kubiak inspired offense that typically only utilizes two receivers, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, it’s possible to guess that Stefanski could use Peoples-Jones as a rare third option surprise. Comparatively speaking, the Minnesota Vikings sometimes used Laquon Treadwell as a surprise third option. Treadwell was able to amass nine catches for 184 yards and a touchdown, a whopping 20.4 yards per catch. Perhaps a pairing of Peoples-Jones and Higgins could be Cleveland’s  third surprise.

Additionally, Peoples-Jones found success at Michigan in the punt return game. During his three seasons with the Wolverines, he averaged 8.3 yards per return in 89 attempts. He ran two punts back for touchdowns.

Stefanski and rookie general manager Andrew Berry made it clear special teams was a priority for the team when they retained special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. The Browns signed speedster return specialist JoJo Natson to a one-year, $1 million contract in free agency. Peoples-Jones will have to compete with the veteran return specialist in a condensed offseason program.

Despite entering the his rookie campaign in a crowded receiver room and a talented special teams bunch, DPJ’s versatility could allow him to make a splash early on. If not, his rookie contract is four years in length and will likely help the Browns win down the road.