The Cleveland Browns made sure to address most of their positions of need in free agency, leaving just pass rusher as a priority to secure early in the 2021 NFL Draft. With more free agency left, the Browns could still secure this. One underrated need and one that will be addressed within the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft is the wide receiver position.
As the event approaches, there is one highly tantalizing player the Browns must select if he falls into their laps: Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Why the Browns should not shy away from Bateman
A year ago, despite having both Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup on their roster already, the Dallas Cowboys still selected Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as he fell into their lap. Even with Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., Donovan Peoples-Jones, and with the re-signing of Rashard Higgins, the Browns will have to address the position early this upcoming April.
As the Browns sit at the 26th pick in the draft, there are two players they should consider doing this with as well. Not only is Bateman a threat, but Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore is a dynamic weapon to target as well. Here, however, we focus on Bateman.
Another reason the Browns should consider taking Bateman, who will be the best available player if he is still on the board that late in the first round, is because the team sitting behind them will if they do not. As the Baltimore Ravens sit with the 27th overall pick in the draft and in need of a wide receiver, the Browns will be forced with the dilemma of either taking Bateman or playing him twice per year.
We take a deeper look at Bateman here.