ESPN NEWS FLASH: Browns in contract negotiation to sign a blockbuster deal with a top WR

As of currently, the Cleveland Browns will not make a selection until pick 54 on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Andrew Berry is not known for going up in the draft and is more likely to move back.

All signs point to the Browns being in the wide receiver market for their first pick, which may come during the April draft.

Unfortunately, the Browns will not be looking for top-tier prospects such as Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze. Their appraisal begins with the day two guys and extends beyond. Fortunately for Cleveland, this is one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory.

Our analysis of the 2024 rookie wide receiver class begins with Georgia standout Ladd McConkey.

The 22-year-old Georgia Bulldog limped through his senior season, which was cut short by a sprained ankle suffered against Ole Miss at the end of November.

McConkey has 30 receptions for 478 yards and two scores in only seven games of the 2023 season. The numbers aren’t spectacular, but the intangibles are present.

McConkey is widely regarded as one of the best route runners in the draft, despite standing only 5’11”. He is a technician with extensive understanding of the route tree, and he captures everything. His 6.3 percent drop rate places him eighth overall in the 2024 draft class, one position ahead of Harrison Jr., the consensus top receiver.

When watching McConkey’s footage, one part of his game that sticks out is his ability to go in and out of his routes quickly. He can separate from defenders at high speeds while also creating space with his agility.

McConkey’s largest sample size is from the 2022 season, when he was entirely healthy and finished with 58 receptions, 762 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Cleveland is an excellent fit for both the present and the future. As this offence adapts to Ken Dorsey’s vision, speed and precision at the wide receiver position are critical – two boxes that McConkey checks.

From a personnel sense, McConkey gives this roster with a potential alternative for Elijah Moore if his second year in Cleveland experiences similar setbacks as his first.

McConkey is anticipated to be a late first- or early second-round choice. If he falls even little, Cleveland may be a team ready to step up and take a shot at the former Bulldog.