Cleveland Browns: Making the Case for Breshad Perriman

With top receiving prospects Kevin White, Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker possibly off the board by the time the Browns are on the clock with the 12th (or 19th) overall picks, the Cleveland Browns took some time to meet with other top prospects in this deep wide receiver class.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported that the Browns took one of those prospects, Central Florida wide receiver Breshad Perriman, out to dinner in Orlando on Sunday night.

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While the Browns brass was in town, they also stopped off to visit Georgia receiver Chris Conley for lunch. The third fastest receiver in Indianapolis, Conley also had a 45 inch vertical jump that was one inch short of the combine’s record.

But Perriman is the potential jewel that would merit a first round pick.

Perriman’s been garnering a lot of attention from teams, meeting with at least 18 franchises in the weeks leading up to the draft. His estimated 4.26 40-yard dash on his Pro Day probably has something to do with the increased interest.

But flying down to Orlando to entertain Perriman for dinner is a bigger commitment to make compared to working out a prospect. As Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group points out, “For the Browns to spend that kind of time and money so close to the draft is a clear sign that they’re seriously considering Perriman in the first round.”

The Browns could do worse. This year’s extra first round pick came from moving out of Sammy Watkins last year, when the team took no receivers despite facing a long suspension for Josh Gordon. It doesn’t look like management wants to face another year without a number one caliber wideout.

January 17, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; National wide receiver Chris Conley (80) of Georgia runs the gal against American during the second half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

A promising season last year was stymied by a lack of offensive production on the back end. When Gordon returned from suspension he was out of shape and barely made an impact on the field. Facing another year of suspension, Gordon cannot be relied on to be effective at any point this year if he even plays at all.

Mike Mayock of NFL Network recently rated Perriman the fourth best receiver in the draft. He’s likely to be available at the number 19 slot, where he would be an excellent value.

Ray Farmer, Cleveland’s GM, also endorsed taking a first round receiver this year. Farmer spoke at the pre-draft press conference last week, saying “If there’s a receiver that provides the best value and the best player, then we’ll probably take that guy.”

Perriman had his best season last year despite losing quarterback Blake Bortles as his signal caller. He has great size and exceptional speed. He also has pedigree – his father Brett Perriman played in the league 10 seasons.

At Georgia Perriman played in the number one receiver “X” position where he used his size and speed to best advantage. He needs polish and practice with ball control and his hands. But matching up against perennial Pro Bowler Joe Haden on the corner should quickly grant the youngster an education.

Of course this all revolves around the Browns keeping those first round picks. As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported, Cleveland has apparently been talking to the Washington Redskins about moving up in the draft. Doing so would almost certainly negate any other first round plans.

We’ll get to find out in just a few days.

Next: Cleveland Browns: Best Pick at No. 12?

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