With the NFL Draft right around the corner, teams are finalizing their draft boards and making their plans. As for the Cleveland Browns, there is a chance that the team could stay pat at #6 or trade down and gain more draft capital. Let’s say the Browns choose to stay at #6, many believe that the team will draft Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Majority of the fanbase wants the team to stay pat and draft the talented wide receiver to help a much maligned wide receiver room.
Is it wrong for fans
to have this sentiment? No, but it is wrong not to be open to other possibilities.
If the Browns were to trade down (which is a possibility), the odds of Tate being available in the late teens or 20’s are low. Zero, really. The wide receiver class is deep compared to last year, but there isn’t a true WR1 in this class. Make no mistake, the prospects have talent, but there is no dominant receiver. Whether it’s questions about durability, speed, drop issues, or how they conduct themselves in the interviews, there are a lot of questions about the wide receiver class.
In many cases, the Browns taking Tate at #6 would be a safe pick, but if he were not to be available, the Browns have to be creative in their approach to fix the wide receiver room. Safe isn’t always best or right.
Outside of the top two prospects, Tate and USC Makai Lemon, Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson is up there in terms of his upside. Prototypical X receiver, Tyson is someone who can start on both the outside and inside. He might not possess blazing speed, but he’s fast, and his acceleration with his route-running ability can’t be ignored. Tyson’s only concern (which has become more prevalent in recent weeks) is his durability. Tyson missed the last three games of his career at Arizona State due to a hamstring injury that had been lingering throughout the draft process. His medicals at one point were considered “clean,” but doctors usually go back and check to see if any new problems have come up. In Tyson’s case, the medicals have found more problems.
Tyson would be the main guy in Cleveland and would provide a jolt in terms of his production and his overall work ethic.
Two names that have been gaining traction are Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion and Louisville WR Chris Bell.
When it comes to Concepcion, he has the explosive capabilities that the Browns wide receiver room lacks. YAC artist (yards after catch), Concepcion is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. The only concern (and it’s a valid one) is the drops. When you watch the tape, as talented as he is, the one thing he struggles with is catching the ball consistently. While many blame quarterback play for a lot of the issue, some of the drops stem from concentration or due to his catch radius, but it’s a problem that can be fixed. Concepcion also tends to freelance on his routes, which can be a minor problem for some but a major one to offensive coaches.
Bell, who was a star at Louisville, is an option (preferably a Day 2 pick). Bell is coming off a torn ACL, but he should be ready by when training camp starts. The tape shows someone who can create explosives with the ball in his hand. He’s big and versatile, and he is someone who can fit in any team’s offense in any role. The only concern regarding Bell is his run blocking. In a way, it’s inconsistent and not where it needs to be when it should be.
Those are the noticeable names but there are other names that the Browns should consider. NFL Mock Draft Database’s Consensus Big Board has 14 receivers ranked among the top 80 prospects this year:
The team needs wide receiver help, but fans should be open to any receiver that can make this offense better and make life for any quarterback that starts easier.
Are you a Tate or bust person or open to improving the WR room in any way possible, including outside of Tate?
