Receivers Cleveland Browns should target in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Colin Damms
Jameson Williams Projected: 1st-2nd Round
Of players who shot up draft boards over the course of the season perhaps no one covered more ground than Jameson Williams. He transferred out of a loaded receiver unit in Columbus, Ohio to join the Alabama Crimson Tide fresh off the departure of first-rounders Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith. Even with a new quarterback in Bryce Young, Bama is once again the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and Williams played a big part in that.
Alabama had left many unconvinced of their abilities because they weren’t as dominant as they were last year, but Williams’ monster impact on the offense and big-play ability has given them an invaluable route 1 option in the passing game. He is averaging over 20 yards per reception and has hauled in 1,445 yards on 68 receptions with 15 touchdowns.
Williams’ decision to transfer was a gamechanger for his draft stock, and should he enter the draft this year he will likely be a 1st or 2nd round pick despite the strength of the receiver class around him. Real steal/high draft value potential.
Day 2-3 Options
Justyn Ross- Ross was a surefire future star after his freshman and sophomore campaigns, but has struggled with playing time after losing his senior season to an unfortunate neck injury. He’s kept it safe coming back, which might affect his draft stock, but his health obviously takes priority and he’s still managed to showcase his skillset. If his ceiling is anything like his early tape shows he could be a steal past the first round.
Jahan Dotson- Really exciting receiver coming out of Penn State with the ability to make circus catches. Good record against physical Big Ten defenses, some big plays in big games, and comes from a program that has turned out a few NFL receivers despite constant turnover on the offensive coaching staff. Could be a high upside player that falls past his true value spot.
Drake London- USC’s WR 1 might have a monster senior year if he sticks around to play under Lincoln Riley, but as things stand he might already be a standout for this class. He led the country in receiving yards before exiting with an ankle injury this year, and sticking out on a disappointing USC team wasn’t easy for him. He carried much of the weight offensively, and shows a lot of promise as an option at the next level.
George Pickens- Though there was a lot of deserved focus on Georgia’s elite defense, the offense was also quite impressive this year despite rotating quarterbacks. Pickens is a day two option that has tremendous upside, but might suffer a bit because of the association with Georgia and running the ball. He’s tall, quick, has good hands, and can catch in coverage. Don’t be surprised if he ends up outperforming his draft spot.
Next. 3 Players Browns should have retained. dark
David Bell- Bell is another do-it-all receiver in the 2022 Draft, but doesn’t have the high profile games/focus that receivers at bigger programs get. He’s a big, physical receiver who also has muscled his way to a lot of yards after the catch. The way the Browns offense plays they could use someone like that to add balance.