5 Best Wide Receivers in Cleveland Browns History

The names on the list of the best Cleveland Browns wide receivers in franchise history may not be the most common unless you’re a Browns a die-hard.

Considering how dominant the team was in their early years, and considering Otto Graham and Milt Plum were throwing passes, it shouldn’t be a surprise that a lot of the names come from those early days. If you’re looking for modern players, look elsewhere.

The Browns have struggled for decades, but if you’re a football historian, looking at five players here should bring back some bright recollections.

5. Ray Renfro (1952-1963)

In the early days of Jim Brown’s dominance behind the quarterback, it was Renfro getting the top duties on the outside.

He spent all 12 years in Cleveland, making three Pro Bowls while winning two NFL titles. Renfro ranks fourth in franchise history in touchdowns and third among wide receivers in yards receiving, catching from Milt Plum and Otto Graham.

4. Mac Speedie (1946-1952)

Before Renfro came along, Speedle and the No. 2 player on this list, were dominating at wideout, then called end. Speedie made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 despite playing only seven years. He was that good.

Speedie led the league in receptions four times and yards receiving twice in those seven years. He was named an All-Pro five times, including three first-team selections. Even with those seven years only, Speedie still ranks second among Cleveland wide receivers in yards and receptions. 

• MORE: Every QB Drafted by the Cleveland Browns

3. Gary Collins (1962-1971)

No player in Cleveland history has caught as many touchdown passes as Collins’ 70. From 1962 to 1971, Collins made three All-Pro teams, including first-team honors in 1968.

Collins and the No. 1 player on this list provided the Browns with one of the most impressive passing games of the 1960s, catching passes from Frank Ryan with flourish. Cleveland made the postseason six times during Collins’ stint, including winning the 1964 NFL Championship. 

2. Dante Lavelli (1946-1956)

Lavelli served as the Browns’ No. 1 wide receiver at the same time Speedle was the No. 2. Sure, they might have benefitted from catching passes from Graham, but lesser wideouts -- called ends at the time -- might not have allowed for such great Cleveland success.

Lavelli led the league in receptions and yards as a rookie in 1946 as the Browns won the NFL Championship in their first year of existence. In fact, Cleveland won the title in their first five years, with Lavelli or Speedle leading the team in receiving in each of the team’s first nine years.

Lavelli ultimately made four Pro Bowls before retiring after the 1956 season. He still ranks first among wide receivers in franchise history in yards, receptions, and second in touchdowns.

1. Paul Warfield (1964-69, 1976-77)