Maybe Browns Add More Receiver Help, but Don't Forget About David Bell
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Whether it's concerns as a result of struggles from Deshaun Watson in the six games he played in 2022 or simply trying to provide him an embarrassment of riches to throw the ball, it's understandable why the idea of the Cleveland Browns bringing in additional wide receiver help is so appealing. What's gotten lost in that discussion is the investment the Browns made in the 2022 NFL Draft, David Bell.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has been clear in how he views the NFL Draft. It's a means to add talent. If that happens to coincide with a team need, all the better. Particularly early in the draft, the Browns focus on adding premium positions. Edge rushers, corners, and yes, wide receivers are in that tier for the Browns.
If the Browns are on the clock, they are going to be pick the best player available. That might be a wide receiver, but if it isn't, the front office isn't going to force it. The Browns use free agency and trades to address their needs.
It's not a given the Browns view receiver as a need. Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones were a formidable duo of receivers for the Browns in 2022 and they have plenty of reason for both to be even better in 2023. Beyond Watson simply regressing to the mean and developing better chemistry with his weapons, Cooper won't be dealing with a hip injury for half the season and DPJ, only 24 years old, could continue growing as a player.
Enter David Bell. There's a misconception that Bell had a disappointing rookie year, which is part of the reason the Browns would need to push for more receiver help. Bell caught 24 passes for 214 yards as a rookie. Not exactly setting the world on fire. However, Bell was on the field for 43.95 percent of the Browns offensive snaps. He was also able to get open against man coverage consistently.
The reason he didn't get the ball more is twofold. First, Jacoby Brissett was a risk averse quarterback who targeted receivers he trusted. Initially, that didn't even include DPJ. It took a few games before Brissett really started looking in his direction, defaulting to Cooper in tense situations. It wasn't until the final three games with Brissett that Bell saw an uptick in targets, catching 11 passes on 16 opportunities for 69 yards.
Second, the Browns didn't necessarily need Bell to contribute much production. They were good with Cooper, DPJ and David Njoku generating a combined 162.5 yards per game as well as 16 receiving touchdowns. It was a great situation to introduce a rookie receiver, allowing Bell to learn and develop without significant stakes. That experience should benefit Bell as he prepares for year two.
Heading into last year's draft, most expected the Browns would go for more speed at the position. After all, the team has often noted how it wants to be faster. They had just released Jarvis Landry and it seemed strange to pick a receiver who plays in a similar manner given how head coach Kevin Stefanski values his tight ends.
Given the fact that both Cooper (13th) and DPJ (24th) were one of just two pairs of receivers along with the Miami Dolphins to rank in the top 25 for yards per reception, the Browns have reason to believe those two can be their primary deep threats, using Bell to attack the vacated space underneath. That combined with the fact Bell was added after Watson would suggest the Browns have pretty big plans for the second year receiver.
That doesn't mean speed isn't a priority for the Browns. Whether it's as a jet player or an ancillary receiver that can stretch the field, the organization has found ways to add speed any way they can as they try to hit on the right player.
The news that the team restructured Jakeem Grant's contract likely signals he will be on the team this coming season. The status of Grant's Achilles' and his availability for the season is still a question mark, but whether it's on the opening day roster or after a stint on the PUP list, he would take up a roster spot as one of the team's six receivers.
Certainly, Grant was signed to be a weapon on special teams, but the Browns had every intention of using him on offense. Playing the role of a jet player, his speed moving across the formation can cause problems and his elusiveness makes it worthwhile to give him manufactured touches and let him create.
The Browns still have Anthony Schwartz, Michael Woods II and Demetric Felton. They claimed Jaelon Darden on waivers at the end of the season and added Marquez Stevenson to the practice squad before signing him to a reserves/futures contract. They also may have Isaiah Weston back, a big bodied field stretcher that suffered a season-ending knee injury last summer. At least one of the other two roster spots is going to come from this group, even if it just ends up being the sixth receiver on the depth chart. That would suggest there is only one potential roster spot for someone not already on the team.
They would almost certainly wait until after the draft to make a signing or trade at that position. Especially if the Browns intend to sign Donovan Peoples-Jones to a contract extension, the front office is going to give themselves every opportunity to address the position at a low financial cost through the NFL Draft before adding investing additional money to a tightening salary cap situation.
The Cleveland Browns are going to select the best player available, likely at a premium position early in the draft. Perhaps a wide receiver like Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee or Joshua Downs from North Carolina will be on the board and the Cleveland Browns will view them in a similar light as Martin Emerson Jr., bolstering that position in the same way the team did corner the previous year. Even if they don't, the Browns have reason to believe they are on solid footing at that position and the supporting cast around Deshaun Watson.
