The Cleveland Browns had plenty of hype last offseason, with the centerpiece move the acquisition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. But it was also easy to see the team falling short of expectations, because they are the Browns after all. Beckham registered 74 receptions for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. All of those numbers were career-lows in a season he has played more than 12 games.
Volume was not the issue, as Beckham’s 133 targets were the 12th-most among wide receivers in 2019. Chemistry with Baker Mayfield was an issue, and Beckham also played through a core muscle injury that required surgery after the season.
Beckham has been limited by injury in three straight seasons now. He missed 12 games with a broken leg with the Giants in 2017, then he missed four games in 2018. He hasn’t been a top-15 fantasy wide receiver (standard scoring) since 2016.
Kevin Stefanski has come in as head coach, with an offense that should suit Mayfield better. So things are looking up for the Browns in 2020, post-hype. Not that things could be much worse than they were at times last year for the passing game.
Beckham is still among the most talented wide receivers in the league. But where should you target him in your fantasy drafts this year?