Cleveland Browns Draft: Three potential late round wide receiver gems

2. Jaelon Darden, North Texas

The University of North Texas’s Jaelon Darden has been a popular name to throw around when talking about late-round receivers. Darden has all the tools to be successful in the NFL, he’s quick, explosive, and a good route runner. The biggest knock on him is his height.

Darden measured in at 5-foot-7 ½ inches and 174 pounds, which could be concerning for NFL scouts. What he lacks in size he makes up for with athleticism and his dynamic play.

The 2020 Conference USA MVP really broke out as a draft prospect in his senior year at North Texas, recording 74 catches for 1,190 yards and 19 touchdowns. Darden is a two-time member of the C-USA All-Conference First Team. Touted as one of the greatest players in UNT history, Darden has proven that he’s NFL-ready.

Since Darden is on the smaller side, he has the prototypical slot receiver build. With his big-play ability, he should find his way onto an NFL roster pretty easily. He’s physically similar to Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola but has the big-play ability of a guy like DeVante Parker or even a Kenny Golladay.

With the draft rapidly approaching, Darden has seen a significant rise in his draft stock. After completely tearing it up at the North Texas pro day, Darden has been flying up boards. He’s still a developmental prospect but with time he could be a legitimate star in the NFL. As of right now, he’s a day three guy but don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the higher rounds.