Cleveland Browns: 3 little discussed players who could have big years

Donovan Peoples-Jones

There is no real guarantee that Donovan Peoples-Jones earns a spot anywhere on the team. Be it as the third-receiver, a kick returner, a punt returner, or some other specialty role. The hope is that he comes out of the Cleveland Browns camp as one of the return men for the team at least, and it’s that hope that’s driving this selection. The idea that Peoples-Jones can be the next great return man for the Browns.

The problem is, he’s never shown to be that dynamic as a collegiate return man. In 37 games for Michigan, he only posted 743 punt yards and two touchdowns, across 89 total returns. That’s about 20 yards a return. Nothing to shake a stick at, but certainly nothing that elicits excitement. After all, Penn State’s KJ Hamler averaged just under 24 yards a return.

Peoples-Jones also wasn’t the biggest threat as a receiver, only once was he the second leading receiver in his three years with the team. The idea with Peoples-Jones in the NFL is that he improves greatly with help from the Browns coaching staff and is able to take the next step in his evolution as a pro. Thus negating any need for his senior year at Michigan. That’s a big swing, however, as he did leave early and was a largely unimpressive prospect in doing so.

If he can find that next gear that elevates him, then Peoples-Jones may not just be a great returner for the Browns, but an overall great offensive threat for the team. That’s a big if, as he’s only a sixth-round draft pick, but you never know. After all, Josh Cribbs wasn’t drafted at all and look what he was able to do.