Predicting the Cleveland Browns 2020 Depth Chart: Wide Receiver
By Randy Gurzi
Reserves
The Browns might be stellar at the top of their receiving food chart but they do need someone to step up behind Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry. The good news is, they do have some options.
Rashard Higgins
In 2018, Rashard Higgins was a breakout star for the Cleveland Browns. That year, he had 39 receptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns as he proved to be a solid No. 2 option for them opposite Jarvis Landry. With OBJ onboard in 2019, he seemed primed to be a great third receiver but for whatever reason, that never happened.
Higgins finished with just four receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown — although that score was a game-winner against the Buffalo Bills. He ended up returning on a one-year deal and hopefully, with a new staff he can regain his from a couple of seasons ago.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
Higgins was signed back after the Browns didn’t land anyone else in free agency and used just one pick on a receiver in the draft. As for that one draft pick, it happened to be their final selection of the year which came in Round 6.
That’s where they landed Donovan Peoples-Jones from Michigan, who was a steal that late. DPJ is a smooth route runner who was limited by his college offense. He can also help in the return game and seems to be the only one on this roster that could unseat Higgins as the third wideout.
Damion Ratley
Another sixth-round pick, Damion Ratley joined the Browns in 2016 out of Texas A&M. Ratley is a serious deep threat that can take the top off opposing defenses. However, he’s still a work in progress and has just 25 career receptions for 344 yards. He should be in line for a spot on this team though considering his talent and the rather high ceiling.