Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft ahead of the NFL Season, the Cleveland Browns have lots of draft targets to sort through. The team has been active in free agency, and now the draft is near. Even with the addition of Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver draft targets will be assessed.
The Browns now have a one-two punch of Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy. The pairing will provide good hands and route running, but a third receiver could very well come from the draft. Elijah Moore was the team’s wide receiver two but suffered a scary injury late in the season. Rookie Cedric Tillman struggled when given opportunities and was best as a blocker.
This leaves the Browns with the ability to research draft targets at the wide receiver position. The orange and brown have a second and third-round pick, then a few in the fifth round. Here are some feasible and explosive draft targets worth a risk.
Three Realistic Draft Targets to Add to Browns Offense
Jalen McMillan, A Realistic Draft Target
The 6’1, 197-pound wide receiver Jalen McMillan ran a 4.47-40-yard dash. The former Washington Husky has a leaner frame but has serious speed. His smooth route running and yards after the catch helped lead Washington to a national championship appearance last season.
McMillan was in a crowded receiver room with his teammate Rome Odunze likely going top 10, and Ja’Lynn Polk likely going before him. Last season, he battled injuries and played in nine games. He accounted for 34 receptions, 462 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. He had over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns the previous season. With a well-rounded skill set and big play ability, McMillan is one of the draft targets worth taking a chance on.
The Giant, Johnny Wilson
Johnny Wilson out of Florida State stands at 6’7 and 235 pounds. His elite catch radius and ability to high-point the ball are among his strengths. Wilson has an incomparable frame and was named to the “freaks list” in college. He would bring power and contested catch ability to an offense that tried to draft a similar receiver build last season that did not pan out.
Wilson transferred to Florida State in 2022 and had a breakout season. He had 43 receptions for 897 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He was second-team all-ACC and opened eyes at the combine. With a unique blend of power and speed, Wilson is another name that could end up in orange and brown after the draft.
The Gadget, Malik Washington
Malik Washington transferred from Northwestern to Virginia, which helped his draft stock immensely. Standing at 5’8, 191 pounds, Washington is a great slot option who is capable of finding the soft spots in a defense. He is a sharp route-runner with great hands and would be a versatile addition to the offense.
After good but not great numbers at Northwestern, Washington exploded onto the scene as a fifth-year senior at Virginia. His numbers were elite, catching 111 balls in just 12 games. Washington had 1384 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the Cavaliers as well. With similar size and abilities to Moore, Washington could fill that void for the offense if Moore is unable to return to form. With a plethora of great wide receivers entering the league, the Browns could be among the many to take a flier on one, even in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
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