5 Cleveland Browns targets with skyrocketing stock after combine
By John Suchan
Cleveland Browns targeted player No. 2: WR Calvin Austin III, Memphis
The Browns need wide receivers and Calvin Austin III from Memphis could be a steal for the team. His stock is on the rise and many teams are considering the speedster. While names like Garrett Wilson, Drake London, and Chris Olave continue to be popular picks, if indeed the team drafts a wide receiver at No. 13, Austin impressed many this past week.
With such a strong and talented group of wideouts in this draft, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Browns dropped back in the first round, stocked up on more picks, and took a player like Austin.
Austin is a four-year player from Memphis and his last two seasons with the Tigers were solid. He grabbed 137 passes for 2,022 yards and 19 touchdowns. He only stands at 5-foot-8 but his speed and ability to separate from his defender could be ideal for the Browns and help their quarterback Baker Mayfield out.
During the Combine, Austin was spectacular. He ran a 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds. His vertical jump was 39 inches, and his broad jump was 11-feet-3-inches. Austin will likely be there in the late first-round or early part of the second round. If the Browns wanted Austin they could likely pick up a few draft picks for giving up their No. 13 pick and still have an excellent player with great talent and speed.
Like current wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, who was a speedster and former track and field product in college, there will be concerns as to whether Austin’s game can transition to quality production on Sundays? Schwartz still has a lot to learn and didn’t have the rookie season that some had hoped to see. Austin seems to have a bit more experience at the wideout position and that may be just what the Browns need to plug him in the offense right away.