Browns Eye Wide Receiver Help at Shrine Bowl After Disappointing 2025 Season
If there was one position group that left Cleveland fans wanting more in 2025, it was the wide receivers. Despite high hopes heading into the season, the Browns’ pass-catching corps struggled to produce - and the numbers tell the story.
Jerry Jeudy, expected to be the go-to guy after a career year, led the group with just 50 catches for 602 yards and a pair of touchdowns. That two-touchdown mark?
It tied Cedric Tillman for the most by any Browns wideout last season. For a team that needed more from its passing game, that simply wasn’t enough.
Behind Jeudy and Tillman, the production dropped off sharply. Gage Larvadain, Jamari Thrash, Malachi Corley, and Isaiah Bond combined for just 67 receptions and 865 yards - and only Tillman found the end zone. It was a group that worked hard, but lacked the firepower and consistency to tilt the field.
Now, with the offseason in full swing, general manager Andrew Berry has made it clear: the Browns are in the middle of a “critical 120 days” to reshape the roster, and there’s going to be a “heavy investment” on the offensive side of the ball. That includes wide receiver - and Cleveland’s front office is already doing its homework.
One of the next big scouting opportunities? The East-West Shrine Bowl, kicking off January 27 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. It’s not always the stage for top-tier draft prospects, but it’s a valuable look at fringe players who could rise with a strong showing - and the Browns will be watching closely.
Here’s a look at some of the wide receivers participating in the Shrine Bowl who could be on Cleveland’s radar:
Zavion Thomas, LSU
- Height/Weight: 5'10", 192 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Thomas brings a compact, sturdy frame and flashes of playmaking ability, though he’s still looking to put it all together at the next level. He’ll need a strong showing to boost his stock.
Chris Hilton Jr., LSU
- Height/Weight: 6'0", 178 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 10 receptions, 122 yards in 13 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Hilton has the speed and pedigree, but limited production in 2025 leaves question marks. He’ll be looking to prove he can separate and contribute more consistently.
Kendrick Law, Kentucky
- Height/Weight: 6'0", 205 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 53 receptions, 540 yards, 3 TDs in 12 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Law was a steady contributor for Kentucky. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable - the kind of receiver who could carve out a role with good route running and physicality.
Jalen Walthall, Incarnate Word
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 180 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 70 receptions, 847 yards, 8 TDs in 10 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Walthall was a volume guy at the FCS level, and he’s got the length and production to intrigue scouts. The Shrine Bowl will be a big test against higher-level competition.
Colbie Young, Georgia
- Height/Weight: 6'3", 215 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 26 receptions, 358 yards, 1 TD in 8 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Young has the size NFL teams covet, but his production didn’t quite match the frame. He’ll look to show he can win contested catches and be a red zone threat.
Noah Thomas, Georgia
- Height/Weight: 6'5", 205 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 16 receptions, 254 yards, 4 TDs in 13 games
- Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round
Thomas is a big-bodied target with a knack for finding the end zone. While his volume was low, his efficiency and size could make him a late-round steal for a team needing height on the outside.
Dillon Bell, Georgia
- Height/Weight: 6'1", 210 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 27 receptions, 268 yards, 2 TDs in 14 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Bell’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he brings versatility and toughness. He could appeal as a depth piece with special teams upside.
De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 202 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 55 receptions, 811 yards, 6 TDs in 15 games
- Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round
Stribling was a consistent playmaker in the SEC, showing solid hands and route-running. He’s one of the more polished prospects in this group and could be a name to watch on Day 3 of the draft.
Skyler Bell, Connecticut
- Height/Weight: 6'0", 190 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 101 receptions, 1,278 yards, 13 TDs in 13 games
- Career Stats: 220 receptions, 2,893 yards, 24 TDs in 52 games
- Projected Draft Range: Third Round
Bell is the headliner of this Shrine Bowl receiver class. He’s got the production, polish, and route-running savvy that NFL teams love. If Cleveland is looking for a plug-and-play option later in the draft, Bell could be on the radar.
Malik Benson, Oregon
- Height/Weight: 6'1", 195 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 43 receptions, 719 yards, 6 TDs in 15 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Benson has big-play ability with a strong yards-per-catch average. He’s a vertical threat who could fit well in a system looking to stretch the field.
Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 190 lbs
- Career Stats: 125 receptions, 2,250 yards, 29 TDs in 41 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Caldwell’s touchdown production is eye-catching. At 6'4", he’s a red zone weapon who knows how to find paydirt. He’ll need to show he can separate against top-tier corners.
Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
- Height/Weight: 5'11", 172 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round
Rivers is a smaller target, but he’s got quickness and agility. He could be a slot option with return game upside.
Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
- Height/Weight: 5'9", 196 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 20 receptions, 151 yards, 1 TD in 13 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Wetjen didn’t see a ton of volume, but he’s built low to the ground and tough. He’ll need to show more burst and separation in drills to catch attention.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Kansas
- Height/Weight: 6'1", 190 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 45 receptions, 766 yards, 5 TDs in 12 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Henderson brings a solid combination of size and speed. With a strong week in Frisco, he could move into the late-round conversation.
Chase Roberts, BYU
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 195 lbs
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Roberts has the length and experience, and he’ll be looking to prove he can make the jump in competition. He’s a name to keep on the radar.
J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida
- Height/Weight: 6'3", 200 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 27 receptions, 406 yards, 3 TDs in 12 games
- Projected Draft Range: Undrafted Free Agent
Sturdivant has the frame and flashes of explosiveness. He’ll need to show consistency and polish in his routes to boost his stock.
What It Means for the Browns
With the Browns likely targeting receiver help through free agency or the draft, the Shrine Bowl is a valuable scouting stop. Whether it’s a polished prospect like Skyler Bell or a developmental player with upside like Noah Thomas or De’Zhaun Stribling, Cleveland has options to consider.
The wide receiver room needs a spark - and the next few months will be critical in finding the right pieces to give Deshaun Watson and this offense the weapons it lacked in 2025. The rebuild is on, and it starts with getting faster, more dynamic, and more reliable on the perimeter.
The clock is ticking. The Browns are watching.