Donovan Peoples-Jones: What the Browns are getting in their new WR

With the 187th selection in the 2020 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns select Donovan Peoples-Jones, wide receiver from Michigan. Cleveland added another extremely talented pass catcher with the former track star and five-star recruit out of Michigan. With only 14 touchdowns combined the last two seasons, the Browns are hoping to tap into his upside.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones under-performed in Ann Arbor, but you bet on athletic traits this late in the draft and he certainly has those.

Consistency wasn't there, but a very physically gifted player with speed, hops and length. There are some wow plays on his tape #Browns

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 25, 2020

Strengths: At 6-2 and 212 pounds, Peoples-Jones has the combination of size and speed to be a true threat in the NFL. Peoples-Jones has insane explosion off the line of scrimmage and can hit top speed fast. He also has great leaping ability to go with ideal height, which can make him a 50-50 ball threat. He’s an elite return specialist too.

Donovan Peoples-Jones is an intriguing pick at 212 lbs, 4.48 forty, 44.5 vert and 139 broad. Lackluster production totals, but did account for 22% of team receiving yards and 33% of TDs as a 19-y/o sophomore. Early declare, former 5-star recruit

— Kevin Cole (@KevinColePFF) April 25, 2020

Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Peoples-Jones is that despite being big and fast, he doesn’t create separation consistently enough. He also doesn’t have the smoothest hands as he has no problem letting the ball come to his chest and body-catching. Despite having an elite burst and crazy acceleration, Peoples-Jones has no wiggle and isn’t a threat to provide much YAC.