The 2023 NFL season certainly didn’t end in the manner the Cleveland Browns were hoping. After winning 11 games in the regular season and earning the No. 1 Wild Card spot, they were quickly eliminated from the postseason by Houston Texans.
While the ending was disappointing, Cleveland should be happy about what they accomplished. They faced a ton of adversity as several key players were injured throughout the season. That didn’t stop them from putting together one of the best campaigns in franchise history.
Heading into the 2024 offseason, the most important thing for the Browns is regression to the mean when it comes to injuries. If they have better injury luck, they will be able to compete with the Baltimore Ravens once again for the AFC North title and at the very least, a Wild Card spot.
NFL News & Rumors: Devontez Walker, 2024 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns Updates
When it comes to things they can control, such as the roster, there are a few areas the Browns could look to address. Their most pressing need, according to PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator, is a wide receiver.
Another pass catcher would certainly help this offense. Amari Cooper remains a true No. 1 target, and Elijah Moore was solid behind him. But the team was lacking in production beyond those two and tight end David Njoku.
For this offense to get taken to the next level, an upgrade at the No. 2 receiver spot behind Cooper would make sense. Who could the Browns look to bring in? The ideal target according to PFF is Devontez Walker out of North Carolina.
“In a receiver class full of great athletes who can stretch the field, Walker might be the best of the bunch. While at Kent State, his team played against the likes of Washington, Georgia and Oklahoma, and not only did Walker look like he belonged, he looked like the best player on the field at times. He’s still raw in his consistency, but he is a toolsy receiver who could be a big difference-maker in the pros,” as written by PFF’s Big Board analysis.
A high-upside target such as Walker would be ideal for the Browns. They can still rely on Cooper as their go-to receiver in 2024, but need to start building contingency plans for beyond the upcoming season.
NFL News & Rumors: Devontez Walker, 2024 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns Updates
Cooper has two void seasons at the end of his contract in 2025 and 2026, meaning 2024 could be his last season in Cleveland. That is a possibility the Browns need to be prepared for and Walker could be part of the long-term solution along with 2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman.
Walker was productive in college at Kent State and North Carolina. In 28 games he caught 104 passes for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns. With good size at 6’3”, Walker has the tools to develop into a bonafide No. 1 receiver at the next level.
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