Numerous teams could use some help at wide receiver this offseason. Luckily for those teams, there are numerous options in the 2022 NFL Draft and free agency has its fair share of impactful wide receivers as well. One of the teams that will be in the market for at least one, if not multiple wide receivers, is the Cleveland Browns.
There has been a lot of chatter about what the team will do at the quarterback position when it comes to Baker Mayfield. But, no matter who is under center, this is a team that needs some help at wide receiver.
The Odell Beckham Jr. trade was a bust as he was unable to get on the same page with Mayfield. While a lot of that blame was placed on Beckham, it became abundantly clear he wasn’t the problem as he thrived with the Los Angeles Rams following his release.
The Browns could also move on from veteran slot receiver, Jarvis Landry. With a cap hit as high as his, Cleveland would save millions of dollars releasing or trading him. With the top of their depth chart possibly being Rashad Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, the Browns will be active in bringing in help at wide receiver.
One name that they should be targeting, according to CBS Sports, is D.J. Chark. Chark was a second of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 and burst onto the scene in his second season with the team.
In 2019, Chark broke out with 1,008 yards on 73 receptions, scoring eight touchdowns as well. He wasn’t as productive in 2020 but still had a solid season with 53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns.
A broken ankle derailed his 2021 season, appearing in only four games and catching seven passes for 154 yards and two scores. With better health and a bigger opportunity, Chark has the tools to become one of the better wide receivers in the NFL.
Standing 6’4” he has elite size which he pairs with excellent athleticism, as he possesses 4.3 speed. Not just a one-trick pony as a deep threat, there are plenty of teams that will take a shot on him despite his injury history and Urban Meyer saying he is a big guy that plays tiny.
It would be a little risky for Cleveland to count on him as a No. 1 receiver, but given his skill set and profile, it is a worthwhile gamble. If Chark is one of two high-end receivers that the team brings in this offseason, whether it is in free agency or the draft, even better.
