3 late-round Cleveland Browns picks from 2020 that could impact in 2021
By Sam Penix
1. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
After a disappointing collegiate career at Michigan, the former five-star recruit put up legendary explosiveness numbers at the NFL combine, yet still lasted until the sixth round. With plenty of players ahead of him on the depth chart, Peoples-Jones was expected to have a very limited role as a rookie.
Plans changed early on, as he saw his first NFL action in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys as both Rashard Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge did not dress. DPJ was not targeted over his first two games, and was primarily used as a blocker, but his effort in that role along with his contributions on special teams slowly earned him more snaps as the season went on,
Despite being the 26th wide receiver selected in 2020, Peoples-Jones finished 13th in Pro Football Focus overall grade, 16th in receiving yards, fourth in yards per route run, and first in yards per catch among rookies with 20 or more targets. The volume wasn’t there, but the efficiency was.
Peoples-Jones may never become an elite player, but he provides an intriguing athletic skillset and surpassed expectations as a rookie. He at least has the ability to get open past five yards, which is something other Browns receivers cannot say about themselves.
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Cleveland needs to become more explosive in the passing game if they want to win the Super Bowl. They must use more of the field, and Peoples-Jones helps with that. He should have a larger role in 2021 and should continue to be utilized more and more as he gains experience. Not bad at all for a sixth-round pick.