4 moves that didn't work for the Cleveland Browns in 2022

Move No. 3 – Not fixing wide receiver

In the last two drafts, the Cleveland Browns have taken a receiver in the third round.  In 2021 it was Anthony Schwartz, and in 2022 it was David Bell. From the beginning, no one was thrilled with the Schwartz pick and thought it was a reach, but Bell had fantastic college production at Purdue, and some thought he was the answer as the third wide receiver. 

In two seasons Schwartz has 14 catches for 186 yards and one touchdown.  Not only is the production low, but he has also had a ton of drops and has been given ample opportunities as well. Bell only has one year in the league but was limited to 24 catches and 214 yards in 2022. For some reason, Schwartz saw the field more than Bell, but neither had great production. 

Some will argue that adding Amari Cooper was enough, but the lack of talent really hurt the Browns all year. Neither Jacoby Brissett nor Watson trusted the third receiver on the field and the opposing defenses didn’t even have to account for them. 

Free agency is a tough spot to fix the wide receiver position because they are often overpaid, but the Browns traded back in the 2022 draft and could have easily found a solution to their problem vs. waiting to round three where it’s much more of a risk. 

Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are a solid one/two in the league, but if you really want an elite offense, you must have some production at the third spot. After botching it in 2022, hopefully, Berry will address the third receiver during the 2023 offseason.