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6 WRs The Cleveland Browns Should Target In The 2016 NFL Draft

By Nick Dudukovich

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterbacks and wide receivers get instructions on the workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterbacks and wide receivers get instructions on the workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) catches a pass and scores a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Sterling Shepard

Cleveland may use one of its later draft picks to find a diamond in the rough in Oklahoma wideout Sterling Shepard.

Why should Shepard be a candidate? The Browns need someone to play the slot. It was supposed to be a role filled by Andrew Hawkins when the former Bengal signed two offseason ago. However, concussions have really limited Hawkins and it’s unclear what his future holds.

Pro Football Focus editor Jeff Dooley makes the argument that even though he’s only 5-10, 194 pounds, Shepard could be a find because he was the analytics website’s top-graded wideout.

"“…His ability to win from the slot is undeniable (best yards per route run average from the slot among Power-5 receivers), he can also make plays deep (caught 11 of 17 deep targets, including four touchdowns and zero drops).”"

If you on the fence about putting too much stock in PFF’s draft predictions, Dooley noted  Tyler Lockett was last year’s top rated receiver by PFF, and the Kansas State product had a stellar rookie season with the Seattle Seahawks after getting drafted in the third-round.

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NFLDraftScout.com listed Shepard as a second or third round pick. In Walter Football’s most recent mock, Shepard went No. 62 to the Panthers. Again, this is a chance for the Browns to use their surplus of picks. If the front office wants Shepard, they possess the assets to move up.

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