Cleveland Browns: 5 players who will break out in 2021
By Sam Penix
3. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
Despite being one of the most explosive receivers in NFL Combine history, Peoples-Jones lasted until the sixth round, where the Browns scooped him up. Given his underwhelming collegiate career and status as an incredibly raw prospect, not much was expected from him as a rookie, but circumstances changed.
Injuries forced him into the lineup early on, and by the end of the year, he was a major part of the offense. He showed the ability to win downfield (a rarity among the Cleveland receivers and tight ends), make difficult catches, and block. As the Browns ran more and more 11-personnel, Peoples-Jones was featured more, and after Beckham Jr. went down in Week 7, was usually the sole WR on the field in 13, because he was the most threatening.
He apparently looked “incredible” at minicamp, and even with the return of Beckham and the addition of Schwartz, Peoples-Jones should be involved in the offense. He’s too talented not to be, and his arrow is pointing way up. Perhaps he’ll never be a true No. 1 target, but he can absolutely be that big-time No. 2 or No. 3 for this team long-term, which is fantastic value for the 187th overall pick.