How will Browns utilize their 2020 NFL Draft class in year one?

Round 4, Pick 115 overall: TE Harrison Bryant (Florida Atlantic)

As the Vikings offensive coordinator last season, Kevin Stefanski ran more 12 (one running back, two tight ends) personnel than any other team in the NFL, meaning tight ends are heavily utilized in his offensive system. The Browns brought in Austin Hooper to lead the position group of David Njoku, Stephen Carlson, and now Harrison Bryant.

Cleveland Browns

Bryant dominated at Florida Atlantic last season where he won the John Mackey Award for the Nation’s best tight end. Unfortunately with a crowded tight end room, Bryant doesn’t have a clear path to substantial playing time as a rookie.

He should see the field a decent amount, but not as often as you may expect from a Mackey Award winner following in the footsteps of guys like Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson.

Round 5, Pick 160 overall – C Nick Harris (Washington)

In the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft the Browns took a shot on an undersized but athletic interior offensive lineman, Nick Harris. Many teams were hesitant of Harris due to his lack of size and how it would translate to the NFL, but there could not have been a more perfect fit than Cleveland.

Utilizing Harris’ athleticism in Stefanski’s wide zone scheme is a match made in heaven. Although J.C. Tretter has the starting center position on lock, right guard is still a question mark and Harris has the chance to be a part of a three-way position battle between Wyatt Teller and Chris Hubbard. Regardless of whether he starts or not from day one, Harris will have great mentorship from above average veterans in Tretter and Joel Bitonio.

Round 6 #187 overall – WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan)

With their final pick of the draft the Browns took a chance on the under-productive but very athletic Donovan Peoples-Jones out of Michigan. Coming out of high school as a five-star recruit, Peoples-Jones never quite lived up to that billing, but was plagued with sub par quarterback play throughout most of his college career.

Not to mention Michigan is a run heavy offense, so the opportunities for him to produce were limited. Cleveland’s offense under Stefanski won’t feature many three and four receiver sets, so getting onto the field may be tough for Peoples-Jones, especially after the Browns re-signed Rashard Higgins to a one-year deal following the draft.

DPJ’s best opportunities this year may come as a returner, something he did well at Michigan after falling into late day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.