Browns OC Alex Van Pelt Happy With WR Room Amidst DeAndre Hopkins Rumors, Comments on Backup RB Role

Author:
Brandon Little
Publish date:
May 31, 2023 6:56 PM EDT

In this story:

Whether the Cleveland Browns go out and sign veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins or not, their pass-catching room will remain quite solid. With the additions of Elijah Moore, Marquise Goodwin, and Cedric Tillman, OC Alex Van Pelt is quite happy with the room amidst the Hopkins rumors.

“That’s a question for those guys upstairs, said Van Pelt on Wednesday. “Again, I can’t tell you how happy I am with what they’ve already added to us.”

Like HC Kevin Stefanski, Van Pelt is happy with what GM Andrew Berry has done for the offense this offseason, even if the defense was the point of emphasis.

“I feel like we’ve added great pieces. AB and the crew upstairs have given us some pieces, more weapons.”

Though, if the Browns were to go out and add QB Deshaun Watson’s former teammate in Hopkins, Van Pelt would not be opposed.

“Yeah, I’m sure we could find something for him to do. We’ll see what happens down the road.”

Van Pelt was asked if Watson had been in his ear about the team needing to go grab Hopkins, and he answered as you would expect an offensive coordinator to.

“He’s talking to the wrong guy if he’s talking,” Van Pelt said jokingly.

If the Browns do want to add another piece on offense, perhaps it should come at the running back position some believe. Though, to this point, the Browns have to focus on who is on the team.

“There’s an opportunity for somebody to step up at this time. Jerome (Ford) has done a nice job when he’s had his opportunities. He’s doing a great job in his protections,” said the offensive coordinator.

Ford saw most of his action on returns last year and did fine there. He had just eight carries, so his workload at the pro level hasn’t been quite there yet. He may get that opportunity this year as Chubb’s backup. Cleveland has other options, too.

“John Kelly just makes plays on the scout team when he gets in there, so there’s great competition there. Then (Demetric) Felton adding him back in the room with his flexibility to work out in the backfield. I feel like we have a good mix of different types of players that can all play roles for us.”

If the right fit comes about the Browns will add it to the room. They’ve worked out multiple players at the position but the pen hasn’t hit the paper on any. Cleveland’s offense hopes to explode to a new level in 2022 and both of these fronts could have an impact on that.

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