4 under the radar Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL draft targets
WR. 1. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 2390. North Texas. JaelonDarden. player
1. Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas
Looking at the names on paper already on the Browns roster at the wide receiver position, some would say the Browns don’t need a receiver. However, Odell Beckham Jr. has underperformed in all his time as a Brown, and is now coming off an injury. There is also Jarvis Landry, who is being overpaid for his production (7 catches for 20 yards in the AFC Divisional round) and a few other average players at wide receiver that have no real specialty.
While the Browns should focus on getting a talented receiver early in the draft, and then focus the bulk of the remaining picks they have on the defensive side of the ball, Jaelon Darden is a talented receiver from North Texas that could be an appealing option towards the back end of the draft.
Darden is an explosive threat that just makes plays when he has the ball in his hands. He is a smaller prospect, at five-foot-eight and weighing only 174 pounds, but could be a solid NFL player if he is featured as the slot receiver and kick returner.
His speed would also allow him to get behind the secondary and provide someone for Baker Mayfield to find deep downfield, something the Browns don’t currently have on their depth chart.
Darden also is highly experienced as a punt returner and could be a great returner in the NFL with his speed and ability to make the first guy miss.
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The Browns have a history with good kick returners, and wouldn’t mind if a late-round selection like Darden ends up being the next great returner in Cleveland.