3 Packers the Cleveland Browns should look at in free agency

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling – 2021 PFF 66.1

Talk about liquid speed, that’s what Marquez Valdes-Scantling is. With a 4.37 40-yard-dash, Valdes-Scantling is exactly what the Browns need next to Jarvis Landry and potentially, another major receiver. Be it in the draft or free agency. Valdes-Scantling was under-utilized, mostly because despite Aaron Rodger’s complaints otherwise, the Green Bay receiving corp was loaded.

In his four seasons in Green Bay, Valdes-Scantling had 2,153 yards, 13 touchdowns, and a whopping 17.5 yards-per-reception. In 2020, he had 690 yards on just 33 receptions. That’s 20.9 YPR, and that’s staggering.

He may not be a number one type of receiver, but what the Browns need is (beyond a healthy quarterback), a vertical passing attack like we saw in 2018 and 2020. To do that, you need, reliable speed. Donovan Peoples-Jones is fast compared to all of us, but in NFL terms, he’s merely “meh”.  Anthony Schwartz is the NFL version of Luis Mendoza (of the Mighty Ducks). All the speed in the world, but no real ability to use it. Yet. His route running was atrocious and he often found himself either under or over on anything that wasn’t a fade. There’s potential, but it’s not polished yet.

That’s where Valdes-Scantling comes in, as he’s a young-enough name, looking for a breakout opportunity. The Browns need someone like him and he needs a team like Cleveland. Make it happen.