Cleveland Browns: Top 20 All-Time first-round draft picks

Cleveland Browns top first-round draft picks All-Time No. 7: Gary Collins, WR/P, Maryland

Before Kordell Stewart was nicknamed “slash,” the Browns had their own player worthy of that title. The No. 11 pick in 1964 out of Maryland was Gary Collins, who spent his entire career with the Browns as a punter and wide receiver.

Early in his career, Collins was the team’s primary punter and was routinely kicking the ball more than 40-yards away to opponents. His best season in that regard was 1965 when he had 3,035 yards and an average of 46.7 yards per punt.

Even while handling these duties, Collins excelled as a wideout. The same season he had nearly 47-yards per punt, he also added 884 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was considered a clutch player who delivered in big moments often.

The former Brown also knew how to use his 6-foot-5 frame as he was unstoppable in the red zone. He had 70 career touchdowns and hit double digits four different times in his career. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver even led the league in receptions for scores in 1963 when he had 13.

His work with Cleveland earned him the honor of being named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Collins finished his career with 5,299 yards receiving yards and 13,764 yards worth of punts. It’s highly unlikely any player could ever produce like that again.