2023 draft class suits Browns needs at wide receiver
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns still want some more speed at wide receiver and there will be plenty of options for them in the 2023 NFL Draft
It’s continued to be a storyline for the Cleveland Browns as they again enter the offseason in need of more depth, and especially more speed, at wide receiver.
The good news is they do have their No. 1 target in Amari Cooper. It’s also hard to argue against Donovan Peoples-Jones as the No. 2. But it’s clear that they never got what they were hoping for in Anthony Schwartz and because of that, they could be looking again for someone with enough speed to really open up the offense.
Some more good news, is that there are plenty of options in the 2023 NFL Draft. And because of this, the Browns should be able to find someone to fill this role even though don’t have a first selection.
This year, the wide receiver class is deep once again. While there might not be too many elite prospects, there are a lot of speedsters with upside.
That list includes Parker Washington from Penn State, Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee, Marvin Mims from Oklahoma, Josh Downs from North Carolina, and Zay Flowers from Boston College.
Which player should the Browns target?
While none of these players would be a bad selection, the two best fits seem to be Hyatt and Washington. Both are excellent in the slot and could find some favorable matchups with Cooper and DPJ out there.
However, Hyatt is likely going to be gone by the time Cleveland is on the board at No. 42. As for Washington, he should be there and would be well worth the pick — as long as they feel confident in their defensive line.
Washington doesn’t have great technique as a route runner just yet but he’s dynamic after the catch. In addition to this, he can help on special teams as well.
Should they elect to wait until Round 3, there could still be options — and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of the aforementioned names slide due to the talent at the position.
Whatever they decide to do, this draft should be loaded with speedy wideouts, which would help the offense take its next step in 2023.
