Cleveland Browns’ 10 best players since returning to the NFL in 1999
By Ryan Rosko
9. Dennis Northcutt
Dennis Northcutt was the Browns’ third drafted wide receiver since returning to the NFL. He was drafted in the second round, 32nd pick overall in the 2000 draft.
Without play-makers how can an offense make progress and take the necessary steps to succeed? It can’t and that’s an important reason why Northcutt was so crucial to the early Cleveland teams.
His impact was seen more on special teams first but after a couple of years, he was making a name for himself any way he could get ahold of the football.
Over the years, Cleveland paired Northcutt with fellow WRs Darrin Chiaverini, Quincy Morgan, among others in hopes of creating a dynamic offense. While those players weren’t difference-makers, the Browns had their opportunities to take the next step but failed to do.
In his seven seasons in Cleveland, Northcutt was a wide receiver, punt returner, and kick returner. During those years, Northcutt played in 99 games where he accumulated 276 receptions for 3,438 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also racked up 330 rushing yards and 2149 punt return yards.
In his lone playoff game in 2002, Northcutt caught six passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Northcutt help set up a foundation for Cleveland to build upon.
His stats weren’t flashy but when he was brought in, Northcutt did what the Browns asked of him. Following his time in Cleveland, Northcutt spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions before retiring after the 2009 season.