Just like that, the Cleveland Browns went from a laughing stock to having a legit chance at winning the AFC North after getting the ultimate weapon Odell Beckham Jr.
The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants just set the NFL world ablaze with arguably the biggest trade in a decade. For Jabrill Peppers, the No. 17 pick and a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Browns acquired Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham rejoins his LSU teammate, Jarvis Landry, quite possibly giving the Browns the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL.
Browns new head coach Freddie Kitchens truly has the ultimate weapon in Beckham. For starters, OBJ makes Landry the No. 2, relieving a ton of pressure off him. This gives Landry the opportunity to work underneath defenses. It could also mean Landry moves to his natrual position as a slot guy.
During Landry’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins, he played his best football on the inside. As a slot receiver for the Dolphins, Landry had three seasons with 90 or more catches. Including two seasons where he caught over 110 passes.
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Moreover, Beckham provides the Browns with a player who can stretch the field. Although the last two seasons weren’t his best he did bounce back nicely. An early injury derailed his 2017 season. However, Beckham amassed 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his fifth year career, despite missing four games.
Beckham is known for his wild catches, but he’s also one of the league’s best route runners. He gets in and out of breaks smooth and quick, qualities that are second to none in the league. When he catches the ball, he’s also a threat to take it the distance.
He gives the Browns brass a multi-dimensional receiver with unlimited potential. This will help Baker Mayfield’s maturation as a quarterback. Mayfield will have another reliable option and a player who’ll help mask his deficiencies. Nevertheless, Beckham’s presence does more than just affect the passing game. Nick Chubb and company, a group that also includes Kareem Hunt ,will benefit greatly.
Teams will have no choice but to respect the pass against the Browns. It eliminates the prospect of teams loading up the box to stop the run. Chubb is an explosive power back who will exploit soft defenses. As a matter of fact, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 996 yards, despite only starting 12 games.
Having Odell Beckham Jr. will mean so much to a team starving for greatness. The acquisition comes with lofty expectations and he hasn’t disappointed. The Browns got the ultimate weapon and the NFL better watch out.