The Browns’ quarterback competition has grabbed most of the offseason oxygen, and the rebuilt offensive line has gotten plenty of attention too. But if you’re looking for the part of Cleveland’s roster that might actually be turning the most heads, it’s the wide receiver room.
That’s where the Browns added Tylan Wallace in free agency, then followed it up by taking KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston back-to-back in the NFL draft. That kind of double dip changes the temperature in a room fast, and it’s exactly why the group is drawing fresh scrutiny as training camp approaches.
Steve Smith and James Palmer spent time this week breaking down wide receiver depth charts, with Cleveland’s group among the stops. On Wallace, Smith said he “speaks Monken.” Palmer added that he’s heard they are “leaning on him in the room.”
Jerry Jeudy, at least in Smith’s view, isn’t the one feeling the heat. “I don’t think he’s in trouble even next year; he’ll have a job. Overall, I think he’ll be fine.”
The pressure, Smith suggested, sits elsewhere. He put Jamari Thrash and Malachi Corley in the “in trouble” category, saying Corley is “playing for his career right now.”
There are also a few names Smith is eager to watch closely. Cedric Tillman, he said, “he’s on notice.”
Isaiah Bond, meanwhile, has already flashed enough to keep people interested. Smith said Bond “has really shown some things… he can amaze you and do some things (in space).”
Concepcion, though, may be the most intriguing piece of the puzzle. Smith described him as “the guy going all over the formation,” and brushed off any concern about his drops.
“Get it out of his mind… you practice for these things. I think it’s going to be all good in the Browns (WR) neighborhood.”
Boston drew even stronger praise. Smith said he had talked to people around the team and heard that Boston might have been “maybe the MVP of our spring… of our team.” He added that people are “just overlooking him,” but warned that Boston “big boys” guys and that “You are not going to be able to ignore him when he’s on the football field.”
Smith also drew a comparison to Josh Gordon, while making clear Boston brings a different profile. “More polished, more NFL ready. He’s going to be out there.”
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