4 Players Cleveland Browns should trade for ahead of training camp

Hakeem Butler from the Arizona Cardinals could be WR3

Heading into the 2019 offseason, the Cleveland Browns were in need of a wide receiver to start opposite Jarvis Landry. One player coming out of the collegiate level that seemed to pique their interest was Iowa State’s Hakeem Butler.

A highlight-reel waiting to happen for the Cyclones, Butler stood out at the position thanks to his enormous frame (6-foot-5, 227-pounds) and incredible catch radius. Still, there were questions about his speed, which he put to bed with a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash.

That still wasn’t enough to quell concerns about his inconsistent hands and for that reason, Butler lasted until the fourth round of the draft. He was also most likely off of the Browns radar by then since wide receiver became much less of a need after they traded for Odell Beckham, Jr. ahead of the draft.

While OBJ and Landry did each top the 1,000-yard mark for Cleveland last season, there wasn’t much else to speak of behind them — and there surely wasn’t much in the way of height at the position either which still means Butler’s size could be enticing for Cleveland.

For that reason, they should pick up the phone and see if the Arizona Cardinals are willing to part with Butler who spent his entire rookie season on the IR with a broken hand. They might be willing to listen since they already have Christian Kirk, KeeSean Johnson, and Andy Isabella on the roster as young receivers to develop. They also added DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Houston Texans and Larry Fitzgerald — who, let’s face it, might not ever retire.

Butler has a lot to prove in the NFL but has the traits scouts look for. He wouldn’t be asked to do too much with Cleveland and would be a great third option behind their Pro Bowl starters.