by BEREA, OH – With training camp under way this week, the Cleveland Browns are going to begin their search for the perfect offense under new Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey. The wide receiver position held some questions after the underwhelming performance from the group last season. General manager Andrew Berry saw the issues and made corresponding moves this offseason. The Browns acquired WR Jerry Jeudy and restructured star wideout Amari Cooper’s contract. The restructuring gives him a $5 million raise to his yearly salary. With no hold outs and a healthy receiving group, let’s look at what could shape out to be the wide receiver depth chart for the 2024 Cleveland Browns.
Amari Cooper
Cooper is coming off his 10th season played in the NFL, 2nd with the Browns, in what showed to be a career year. He led the AFC North in receiving yards with 1,250, which set a new career high. He also set a new career high by averaging over 17 yards per reception. Cooper will likely be sitting comfortably as WR1 going into his 11th season.
Jerry Jeudy
After being acquired via trade back in March, Jeudy is entering his first season with the Browns and his fifth overall. Over his four years in Denver, he fluctuated between the team’s first and second receiver alongside Courtland Sutton. Jeudy has yet to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season with his career-high sitting at 972. However, the young receiver has shown flashes throughout his career that he can be a serious threat in the right offense. He should fit in nicely at WR2 behind Cooper.
Elijah Moore
Coming off his first season with the Browns, Moore is looking to have a bounce back from his up and down 2023 campaign. Despite setting a career-high in receiving yards with 640, Moore was looked on to have a more productive season. Entering his 4th year in the league, he will be sitting behind two receivers that will require a lot of attention from opposing defenses. With his speed and ability to create space, Moore could have yet another career-high type season.
Backups
Filling out the wide receiver room at the back end will be more difficult than choosing the starting three. Veterans, younger receivers, and rookies are all part of the conversation.
Cedric Tillman
Last year in his rookie campaign, Tillman did not make the impact that many people hoped for. He racked up just 224 receiving yards and did not score a touchdown in 14 games played. However, reports say that players and people within the Browns organization have raved about his dedication to getting better during the offseason. With his size and strength, look for Tillman to have a good year following a disappointing rookie season.
David Bell
Bell is another young receiver that has yet to quite find his footing in the league entering his third season. Throughout his short career, Bell has accumulated 381 yards and 3 touchdowns in 31 games played. Towards the end of last season, he seemed to be finding his role within the offense. I am optimistic that he will take that into this year and be a productive piece of the offense.
James Proche II
Coming into his fifth season in the NFL, Proche has never played a significant role in the offense. However, he has been heavily involved in the return game. With the kickoff rules being shaken up this offseason, look for Proche to be a vital part of the new return scheme.
Predicted WR Depth Chart
Amari Cooper – WR1
Jerry Jeudy – WR2
Elijah Moore WR3
Cedric Tillman – WR4
David Bell – WR5
James Proche II – WR6
Jamari Thrash (5th round pick rookie) – Practice Squad
Michael Woods II (3rd year) – Practice Squad
