Countdown to 2020: Best Cleveland Browns player to wear No. 11

Who is the best player to wear No. 11 for the Cleveland Browns?

The countdown to the 2020 NFL season is upon us. With 11 days remaining until the Browns season opener, we continue the countdown by celebrating the best Cleveland Browns player to ever wear number 11: Travis Benjamin.

Travis Benjamin was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft out of the University of Miami. Benjamin, who was a renowned speedster while attending the U, played football and competed on the track team. His track exploits served him well at the NFL combine, where he posted a 4.36 time in the 40-yard dash.

The Browns, who also picked up Josh Gordon in the 2012 NFL supplemental draft, were in need of an influx of young talent at the wide receiver position. While Benjamin was not a refined route runner after his four years at Miami, he did have one superior trait that could not be coached…speed. Benjamin showed enough during training camp to earn the fourth wide receiver spot and serve in the role of the backup return specialist behind Josh Cribbs.

Although he saw limited use as a receiver early in the season, Benjamin was able to haul in 18 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns. The young wideout led the Browns with 16.6 yards per reception as a rookie. Benjamin’s explosive playmaking abilities were on full display when he set a team record with a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 14.

Benjamin took over as the kick return specialist in his second year after the departure of Cribbs in free agency. In week five, against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, Benjamin set a Browns single-game record with 179 punt return yards. Unfortunately, Benjamin’s season came to an end after suffering a torn ACL in week eight.

In 2014, Benjamin rebounded from his knee injury to play in all 16 games and lead the Browns in touchdown receptions with three. On October 5th, 2014, Benjamin played an instrumental role in the Browns completing the largest road comeback in NFL history when he caught two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal a one-point victory against the Tennessee Titans.

Benjamin came into his own as a wide receiver in 2015. He led all Browns’ wide receivers in receptions (68), yards (966), and touchdowns (5). In addition to his number one wide receiver status, Benjamin also handled the primary punt return duties. He returned 28 punts for 329 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown against the Titans. In that same game, Benjamin caught three passes for 115 yards and two receiving touchdowns helping the Browns secure a 28-14 win.

Benjamin opted to test free agency following the 2015 season and signed a four-year deal with the San Diego Chargers. After playing out his contract with the Chargers, Benjamin signed to play for the San Francisco 49ers but it currently opting to sit-out the 2020 season due to Covid-19.

Although Benjamin’s time in Brown and Orange was not lengthy, he is the best player to wear number 11 for the Cleveland Browns.